Font Size: A A A

Colon Tour 2026: Sierra Nevada Health Center

Step inside a larger-than-life, inflatable colon and take a walk through colorectal health.

NCC is taking its interactive Giant Inflatable Colon on a colorectal cancer awareness tour. This unique, walk-through exhibit helps visitors see and understand the progression of colorectal cancer — from healthy tissue to polyps to advanced disease — and highlights the importance of early detection and regular screening.

Community members will have the opportunity to:

If I made it through, so can you: Najee Wright

My name is Najee Wright. I’m 26 years old and a Las Vegas native.

In January 2024, I walked into a quick care with chest pain that had lasted over six hours. I assumed I would be sent home with ibuprofen. Instead, I was admitted to the hospital after doctors discovered a 12cm mass on my heart.

At UMC, doctors believed it was a cyst and performed a draining procedure. That only made it angrier — more pain, more shortness of breath. Months later, I met Dr. Michael Ciccolo, I was told the “cyst” needed to be removed immediately.

Nevada Cancer Coalition reaffirms support for multi-dose HPV vaccination schedule

On Jan. 5, 2026, the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services accepted a major revision to the standing U.S. childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. Among the changes was a reduction in the recommended human papillomavirus vaccination series from two or three doses to a single dose for all children.

Biggest Little Skin Cancer Screening

The Biggest Little Skin Cancer Screening returns for a third year bringing free skin cancer screenings for the northern Nevada community on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on demand, registrations may close at 7 p.m. to allow doctors time to complete the final screenings. Attendees should wear loose-fitting clothing so dermatologists can easily check sun-exposed areas like the neck, arms, legs, and back.

There is no cost and insurance is not required. If you need follow-up, navigators will be on site to assist in scheduling.

New BRFSS data shows Nevada improving in cancer screening

New data was recently published in the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a phone survey of Americans covering a variety of health topics. The new data, from the 2024 survey year, shows Nevada has rebounded slightly in cancer screenings from a dip following the COVID-19 pandemic.

2026 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Resources

Colorectal cancer is the #2 cancer killer in Nevada by total numbers, only behind lung cancer. The latest American Cancer Society data shows that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among men under 50, and second for women under 50.

Nevada's Central Cancer Registry keeps data on cancer cases across the state and has provided data that we've formatted into charts to help you quickly digest the information.

Access the data and download our annual Quick Facts and Resources on the buttons below.

Lung Cancer Forum

Join us for this half-day forum aimed at strengthening lung cancer screening programs, building sustainable systems, and improving collaboration among partners statewide. We'll share best practices in patient management, referrals and shared decision-making, stigma-free communications and more. This event is FREE and will include continuing education credits.

Rural Nevada Breast Cancer Collaborative Meeting

Back by community demand, the Nevada Cancer Coalition Breast Cancer Collaborative is returning to regular meetings, starting with three regional meetings. If you work in breast cancer early detection in rural Nevada, please join us February 11 from 12 noon - 1:30 p.m. to identify action steps to improving this landscape. Limited space is available in-person at William Bee Ririe Health Clinic, with lunch available.

Zoom option is available for those who cannot attend in person. Email Lily for meeting link.