Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be distributed at several upcoming drive-thru events in Decatur, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville, sponsored by the Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield Clinic and HSHS St. John’s Hospital.
“March is Colorectal Awareness Month, and we encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity for a free screening,” said Tia Rapps, community cancer education coordinator for the Regional Cancer Center. “Kits will be available while supplies last so don’t procrastinate.”
Dates and times for kit pickup below:
- 9 a.m. – noon, Tuesday, March 12, Lincoln Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 200 Stahlhut Drive, Lincoln
- 8 – 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14, Taylorville Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 201 E. Pleasant St., Taylorville.
- 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, Memorial Drive-Thru Lab, 320 E. Carpenter St., Springfield
- 8 – 10 a.m. Friday, March 22, Crossing Healthcare Drive-Thru Clinic, 990 N. Water St., Decatur
- 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, St. John’s Pavilion Drive-Thru, 801 N. Eighth St., Springfield
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 28, Simmons Cancer Institute Drive-Thru, 315 W. Carpenter St., Springfield
Drivers should follow the signs and remain in their cars. Completed kits should be mailed back in the provided, preaddressed envelope within 10 days of kit pickup. Individuals will receive a letter informing them of their results.
Take-home colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for individuals 45 years old and older, as well as people who have a history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, a diet high in processed food or red meat, smokers and individuals who are obese or engage in heavy alcohol use.
For people 76 years old and older, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, general health and prior screening history.
For more information about the kit distribution, call 217-788-4400.