SPRINGFIELD, IL – Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be distributed at several drive-thru events scheduled in Decatur, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville. It is sponsored by the Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Springfield’s Memorial Health and SIU School of Medicine. Clinic and HSHS St. John’s Hospital.
“March is Colorectal Awareness Month and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to receive your free screening. Kits are in stock,” said Tia Rapps, Regional Cancer Education Coordinator at Regional Cancer Center. It’s available while supplies last, so don’t delay.” ”
The dates and times for kit pick-up are as follows:
• Tuesday, March 12, 9 a.m. to noon, Lincoln Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 200 Stahlhut Drive, Lincoln.
• Thursday, March 14, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Taylorville Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 201 E. Pleasant St., Taylorville.
• Thursday, March 21, 3:30pm – 5:30pm, Memorial Drive-Thru Lab, 320 E. Carpenter St., Springfield.
• Friday, March 22, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Crossing Healthcare Drive-Thru Clinic, 990 N. Water St., Decatur.
• Tuesday, March 26, 4:30pm – 6:30pm, St. John’s Pavilion Drive-Thru, 801 N. Eighth St., Springfield.
• Thursday, March 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m., Simmons Cancer Institute Drive-Thru, 315 W. Carpenter St., Springfield.
Drivers should obey signs and remain in their vehicles. The completed kit must be returned to him within 10 days of receipt of the kit in the provided self-addressed envelope. Individuals will receive a letter informing them of their results.
At-home colorectal cancer screening is recommended for people over 45 years of age, those with a history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, those with a diet high in processed foods and red meat, those who smoke, those who are obese or employed. It is also recommended by those who are Consuming large amounts of alcohol.
For people age 76 and older, the decision to undergo screening should be based on the person’s preferences, life expectancy, general health, and previous screening history.
For more information about kit distribution, call 217-788-4400.