Screenings to be Provided by HMNMH.

Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital will be distributing free Colorectal Cancer screening packets from 9 a.m.5 p.m., March 19-23, 2007. The kits will be available at the hospital information desk and two other locations including the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, 22900 Market Street in Newhall, and the KHTS Radio kiosk, located at the Westfield Valencia Town Center near the west entrance to the food court. Complete instructions will be provided with the kits.

 
Packets must be returned within 24 hours following the screening and prior to 4 p.m., March 30, 2007.  Each screening will be analyzed by staff at the hospital’s Laboratory and results will be mailed after completion.

Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon and/or rectum, is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among California men and women. The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is high when diagnosed early.

Risk factors include personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, diets high in fat and low in fiber, physical inactivity and inflammatory bowel disease. Warning signs include rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, and blood in the stool.