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Many Low Income Kentuckians Eligible for Free Colon Cancer Screenings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ML8FrrXwAM

Many Kentuckians who lack health insurance can receive free colon cancer screenings through their local health department. The program is jointly funded through the state and private donations, and targets Kentucky residents who meet certain age and income guidelines.

Madeline Abramson, wife of Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson, is speaking out on behalf of colon cancer awareness in Kentucky. Mrs. Abramson is honorary chair of the Kentucky Cancer Program’s “Dress in Blue Day”, a program aimed at educating the public about colon cancer.

She says the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation can often be detected and treated through screenings.

“It’s unusual to have a screening test where the cancer or pre-cancerous node can be taken care of at that time," Abramson told WKU Public Radio.

Abramson says some people are embarrassed to talk about the disease in the same way many refused to openly discuss breast cancer decades ago.

“People didn’t talk about it, whether they had it or not. They didn’t get mammograms. Of course we’re now much more open about that, and that’s what we’re trying to do with colon cancer, in a sense. We’re trying to get people to be aware, and to take responsibility for their own health.”

You can learn more about the new colon cancer screening program and other cancer resources in your community by contacting the Kentucky Cancer Program at 1-877-326-1134, andonline.

Kevin is the News Director at WKU Public Radio. He has been with the station since 1999, and was previously the Assistant News Director, and also served as local host of Morning Edition.
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