The Nebraska Colon
Cancer Screening Program
helps men and women 50 years of
age and older make decisions
about colon cancer screening. Services may include:

• fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit
  for at home testing
• colonoscopy
• information about healthy living

For free or low cost screening,
click here.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Colon cancer often starts with no symptoms. The exact cause of most colon cancers is not known, however research says that approximately 75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. 

• Risk factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer include:
• A family history of colon or rectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• Genetic syndromes

Colon cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms at first. If symptoms are present, they may include:

• Blood in or on the stool
• A change in bowel habits
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• General, unexplained stomach discomfort
• Frequent gas, pains, or indigestion
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic fatigue

These symptoms can also be associated with other health conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your health care provider. Only your health care provider, through testing, can determine why you’re having these symptoms.