Participants will be mailed a home fecal occult blood test, with directions, that requires three consecutive stool samples. Good Samaritan will then analyze completed tests for microscopic signs of blood and inform participants and their primary care physicians of the results.

Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon or rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 108,070 new cases of colon cancer and 40,740 new cases of rectal cancer in 2008 in the United States.

The death rate from colorectal cancer has been decreasing for the past 15 years due to the fact that there are fewer cases. Thanks to early screening, polyps can be found and removed before they turn into cancer. Treatments have also improved over time.

Risks for colorectal cancer include men and women age 50 and older, people with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, people with family history of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, people who use tobacco and those who are obese and sedentary.

In the early stages, there may not be any symptoms. Later, these symptoms may include rectal bleeding, bright red blood in or on the stool, change in bowel habits, stools that are narrower than usual, general stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation or feeling that bowel does not empty completely, frequent gas pains, weight loss, constant tiredness and/or vomiting.

Men and women ages 50 or older and those with increased risk may call (800) 658-5169 or (308) 865-7884 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays to register for a free test kit.

For further information, contact Good Samaritan Hospital or one of these participating facilities: Boone County Health Center, Albion; Callaway District Hospital, Callaway; and Valley County Health System, Ord.