Early detection is key to surviving cancer, officials say
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Two of Kansas’ leading institutions are joining forces to help residents across the state take charge of their health through regular cancer screenings.
Kansas State University Extension and The University of Kansas Cancer Center have launched a partnership aimed at increasing awareness, access and participation in cancer screenings—especially in rural and underserved areas of the state.
“The most common cancers in Kansas are ones that we can prevent or screen for,” said Hope Krebill, executive director of the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA), the outreach arm of The University of Kansas Cancer Center. “These include prostate, breast, lung, colorectal and melanoma. They’re all cancers we can do something about.”
Krebill said cancer incidence is lower in many rural areas of Kansas, but the mortality rate is higher.
“We also know that both cancer incidence and mortality are higher in southeast Kansas,” she said. “For example, breast cancer incidence varies , but rural women and Black women are more likely to die from it. That tells us that access to screening and treatment could make a real difference.”
The collaboration with K-State Extension will focus on bringing education, resources, and screening opportunities directly into Kansas communities through a network of local extension offices.
“Extension is in every county, and they know their local context,” Krebill said. “They know the people and the resources. So, when we develop screening programs, prevention activities, or resources for survivors, extension is a natural partner.”
Screening saves lives
Regular screenings can help detect cancers early — when they are easier to treat and more likely to be cured, said Karin Denes-Collar, associate director and psychosocial services director for the Masonic Cancer Alliance.
“When we find a cancer early, it’s much more likely to be treatable and survivable,” Denes-Collar said. “Treatment is usually shorter and less difficult, and life after treatment can return to normal more quickly.”
Krebill added that the MCA uses state data, including information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, to identify where screenings are most needed.
“Sometimes you see higher cancer incidence because screening is happening,” she said. “That’s actually a good thing — it means we’re finding cancers early and giving people a better chance (to survive).”
The MCA and its partners offer events where residents can complete at-home screening tests, such as a FIT kit for colorectal cancer. “You collect a small stool sample, mail it to the lab, and we provide results,” Krebill said. “Others may prefer to schedule a colonoscopy through their physician. Both are effective. What matters most is that people get screened regularly.”
Denes-Collar said personal and family health history should guide those conversations. “If you have a family history of cancer, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings,” she said. “That’s why having an ongoing relationship with your provider is so important.”
Prevention and healthy living
Lifestyle choices also play a major role in cancer prevention, Krebill said.
“Tobacco use remains the leading cause of cancer, and we offer virtual and text-based tobacco cessation programs through the MCA,” she said. “But we’re also seeing a rise in obesity-related cancers, and we believe those will soon surpass tobacco-related cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, and exercising regularly can make a big difference.”
For those with a strong family history, genetic testing may help determine personal risk. “We can connect participants with genetic counselors,” Denes-Collar said. “They review your family history and may test a cheek swab, saliva, or blood sample to identify genes that increase cancer risk.”
Krebill said local collaboration is key to the success of statewide screening events. “We never go into a community alone,” she said. “Local partners know the best places to host screenings and how to reach their residents. They can also connect individuals to follow-up care and resources if something abnormal is found.”
Through K-State Extension, the MCA also plans to offer training for extension staff on cancer survivorship care. “We have a survivorship care plan, which is like an owner’s manual for your health after cancer, and we’ll make those available to Extension offices,” Krebill said.
More information on healthy living is available at local extension offices in Kansas. A longer discussion with Krebill and Denes-Collar is available on the Oct. 31 episode of the K-State podcast, Sound Living.
