Regional West Recognizes Dress in Blue Day for Colorectal Cancer Awareness 

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Regional West is participating in Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 6, to help raise awareness for colorectal cancer and the importance of annual screenings.  

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., excluding skin cancers. Though treatments and screening tools have advanced, colorectal cancer rates have risen in younger adults. People aged 45 and older are encouraged to get regular colorectal cancer screenings to help prevent or detect cancer at an earlier stage.  

Colorectal cancer screening can save lives by detecting the disease early, when treatment is more effective, or can prevent it altogether. Screening colonoscopies can find and remove polyps, or abnormal growths, before they become cancerous. Other screening options include at-home test kits, which tests stool to search for blood or DNA from abnormal cells.  

Though colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms, some signs may include changes in bowel habits; blood in or on the stool; abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t subside; and unexplained weight loss. Usually, if symptoms are present, it means the disease is at an advanced stage.  

Armando Magana, MD, from Regional West Physicians Clinic-Gastroenterology, encouraged all eligible patients to get annual screenings.  

“Don’t be afraid to take ownership of your health and get screened for colorectal cancer,” he said. “Colorectal cancer can be preventable or treatable if we can catch it early, and screenings can make a lifesaving difference. If you’re 45 or older, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or have other risk factors including inflammatory bowel disease or previous history of polyps or other cancers, talk to your physician or provider about screening options.”

Regional West Physicians Clinic offers a number of screening options, including Cologuard, a home test kit, and screening colonoscopies. To find the best option for you, talk to your physician or provider. For more information on Regional West’s Cancer Services, visit https://www.rwhs.org/services/cancer/cancer-services or call 308-630-1348.  

About Regional West  
Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a regional referral center and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. Since 1924, Regional West has served the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming through innovative healthcare services. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West offers an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics.