Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be distributed at several upcoming drive-thru events in Decatur, Jacksonville, 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. “It truly is an easy and safe way to screen. Also, kits will be available while supplies last so don’t procrastinate.”
Dates and times for kit pickup below:
- Decatur: Friday, March 14, from 8 a.m. until supplies run out, Crossing Healthcare Drive-Thru, 990 N. Water St. Questions? Call 217-876-4749.
- Jacksonville: Tuesday, March 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wednesday, March 12, from 4 to 6 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital Circle Drive-thru, 1600 W. Walnut Ave. Questions? Call 447-784-3212.
- Lincoln: Wednesday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, Lincoln Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 200 Stahlhut Drive. Questions? Call 217-605-5014.
- Springfield: Thursday, March 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Springfield Clinic 900 Building Drive-Thru, 900 N. 1st St. Questions? Call 217-280-6954.
- Springfield: Wednesday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., Simmons Cancer Institute Drive-Thru, 315 W. Carpenter St. Questions? Call 217-545-7495.
- Springfield: Thursday, March 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Drive-Thru Lab, at 320 E. Carpenter St. Questions? Call 217-788-4400.
- Springfield: Thursday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., St. John’s Pavilion Drive-Thru, 301 N. 8th
St. Questions? Call 217-544-6464, ext. 2045877.
- Taylorville: Thursday, March 13, from 8 to 11 a.m., Taylorville Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 201 E. Pleasant St. Questions? Call 217-707-5258.
Drivers should follow the signs and remain in their cars. Completed kits should be mailed back in the provided, postage-paid 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.
Anyone 18 or older is eligible for a kit especially if they have any of the above listed risk factors. Younger adults are being diagnosed with cancer at a growing rate. 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.