MRH&C Highlighted in Statewide Colorectal Cancer Screening Report

Posted 9/14/26 (Mon)

Mobridge Regional Hospital & Clinics (MRH&C) and its four Rural Health Clinics were recently highlighted in a statewide report focused on improving colorectal cancer screening and early detection throughout South Dakota.

MRH&C was selected as one of four health systems participating in the South Dakota Colorectal Cancer Control Program, a South Dakota Department of Health initiative supported through CDC funding. The program includes 12 primary care clinic locations statewide, including MRH&C clinics in Mobridge, McLaughlin, Selby and Timber Lake.

The work is specifically important to South Dakota, where colorectal cancer was the second-leading cause of cancer-related death and fourth-most diagnosed cancer in 2022. At the time of MRH&C application, our health system had 2,125 patients ages 45-75 and an overall colorectal cancer screening rate of 56.6%. Rates ranged from 64.7% in Mobridge to 38.7% in Selby, 34.5% in Timber Lake and 19.3% in McLaughlin, showing opportunities to improve screening throughout our service area.

Access to colorectal cancer screening remains a challenge for some South Dakotans. While 66.9% of eligible South Dakotans are up to date on colorectal cancer screening, that rate drops to just 39.3% among American Indian adults. Through its participation in the SD Colorectal Cancer Control Program, MRH&C is working to improve screening access for patients throughout our rural service area, including those who may face transportation, financial or insurance barriers.

Through the program, MRH&C staff are working to increase patients reminders and follow-up, reduce barriers to screening and help patients navigate the screening process. Our Community Health Workers are already helping with these efforts. Since February, they have contacted more than 525 patients who were overdue for cancer screenings, helping connect patients with annual exams, mammograms, Pap tests and colorectal cancer screenings. The report identifies challenges including rural access, transportation, insurance coverage and financial resources.

These efforts are part of MRH&C's larger focus on cancer prevention and early detection. Colorectal cancer screening is available through our Rural Health Clinics, with colonoscopies performed locally at Mobridge Regional Hospital. In our rural region, where the next facilities offering surgical services such as colonoscopy are more than 100 miles away, having this care available locally can save patients significant travel and make it easier to complete recommended screenings. Adults ages 45-75 should talk with their healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening and which screening option is right for them. If you're due or overdue for screening, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your local MRH&C clinic and take that important step toward protecting your health.

MRH&C also promotes breast cancer awareness and screening, with 3D mammography available locally at Mobridge Regional Hospital, giving women in our region access to advanced breast imaging without traveling long distances for care. Patients are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about their individual risk factors and recommended screenings.

We are proud of the work our staff are doing to increase awareness, improve access to preventive care and help more patients receive important cancer screenings close to home.

Read the Full Report HERE.