According to recent statistics, colorectal cancer is the third-leading type of cancer for both men and women, and represents the third-highest cause of death among all cancers. Coconino County has the ninth-highest incidence rate of colorectal cancer in Arizona with more than 60 percent of colorectal cancers diagnosed as late-stage disease.

“The most interesting detail related to this fact is that almost 80 percent of all colorectal cancers could either be prevented all together, or if diagnosed early enough, the long-term survival rates would double from what they currently are,” said Jeff Axtell, director of Oncology Services, Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare.

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Month and the need for early detection and diagnosis of this treatable disease, the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare (CCNAH) are offering low-cost, take-home colorectal cancer screening kits. During the month of March, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, the CCNAH are offering screening kits and information about colorectal cancer.

The screening is recommended for both men and women over the age of 50, those who have a family history of the disease or who may have colorectal polyps, and individuals who have chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The screening kit is a simple take-home kit that checks for blood in the stool. The cost to process the kits for lab results is $10, payable when the kit is obtained.

The CCNAH has two locations. The Flagstaff Campus is located at 1200 N. Beaver Street at Flagstaff Medical Center and the Sedona Campus is located at 3700 W. Highway 89A in Sedona.

For more information about this screening or for other cancer-related questions, call the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare at 800 854-7744 or visit CCNAH.com.