Great Plains Health
North Platte, Neb., March 7, 2025 -- Great Plains Health is joining the annual statewide effort led by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition to heighten awareness of lifesaving colorectal cancer screening during Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. This year's campaign emphasizes the importance of early detection and reminds Nebraskans that regular screenings are now recommended beginning at age 45.
Dr. Todd E. Hlavaty, radiation oncologist at the Callahan Cancer Center at Great Plains Health for nearly three decades, also serves on the board of directors for the Nebraska Cancer Coalition.
"Screenings save lives, and the earlier we can detect colorectal cancer, the better the outcomes," said Dr. Hlavaty. "We must be proactive about our health and take screenings seriously. These simple preventive measures can make all the difference in a patient leading a long and healthy life with their family."
Employees throughout Great Plains Health participated in the #DressInBlueNE campaign on March 7 to raise awareness of colorectal cancer, which is the second deadliest cancer in Nebraska.
Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nebraska, with incidence and mortality rates in the state exceeding national averages. Many are unaware that the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening has been lowered from 50 to 45.
● In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 940 new cases and 360 deaths from colorectal cancer in Nebraska.
● Screening rates remain a challenge, with only 64% of Nebraskans aged 45-75 up-to-date on screenings as of 2022, and only 38% of those aged 45-54 current on their screenings.
● By 2030, colorectal cancer is expected to become the leading cause of cancer related deaths among 20-49-year-olds. If you are within this age range and have symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider.
Taking ownership of your health by discussing your family history and screening options with a primary care provider is a vital step toward prevention. Multiple safe and affordable screening options are available, including at-home test kits.
About Great Plains Health
Based in North Platte, Nebraska, Great Plains Health is a fully accredited, 116-bed acute-care regional medical center serving western and central Nebraska, northern Kansas and southern South Dakota. With 90 physicians representing nearly 30 medical specialties, the Great Plains Health system offers advanced health care, including heart and vascular, cancer, and orthopedic surgery services. Great Plains Health is a Level III trauma center, and all of its emergency department physicians are residency-trained and board-certified in emergency medicine. The system employs approximately 1,200 employees and serves a geographic area spanning more than 67,000 square miles. The hospital is accredited by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and is home to an American College of Surgeons-accredited cancer center and Level II bariatric surgery program. For more information, visit gphealth.org.
About Nebraska Cancer Coalition
The Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2) is a nonprofit organization that serves all 93 counties in Nebraska. Its mission is to connect people and resources to improve cancer prevention, detection, and quality of life. Through partnerships with health systems, providers, associations, and individuals, NC2 works to achieve its vision of conquering cancer together.