Wright County Minnesota includes the cities of Albertville, Annandale, Buffalo, Clearwater, Cokato, Dayton, Delano, Hanover, Howard Lake, Maple Lake, Monticello, Montrose, Otsego, Rockford, St. Screening Colorectal cancer can be prevented More than 130,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with colorectal cancer, and one in 20 Americans will develop colon cancer at some point in their lives. Though colorectal cancer is the third leading killer in the United States, most people have never thought about their risks.
Early detection can prevent many deaths but only one in five people get a routine screening.
The University of Minnesota will conduct the evaluation and research components, lending scientific significance to the project. The FOBTs will be available at all physician clinics and hospitals throughout Wright County in addition to select farm cooperatives, Wright County Public Health and the Wright Cancer Hotline beginning March 1, 2000. Completed tests will be mailed to the Buffalo Hospital Laboratory for processing and follow-up reports will be sent to the participant and their personal physician. Individuals with positive test results will be encouraged to undergo a colonoscopy. This screening will serve as a model that can be replicated across the nation to improve health and, ultimately, eradicate colorectal cancer.