TMH is providing free take-home screening tests for colon cancer to local residents during March.  Taylorville Memorial Hospital will distribute kits from 8-11 AM on Friday, March 17th at 201 East Pleasant Street and will be available while supplies last. Drivers should enter the circle drive and remain in their vehicles.  Additional pick-up times can be scheduled between March 20th and March 24th by calling 217-707-5258. 

Completed kits should be mailed back in the provided, pre-addressed 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 that are 45 or older, as well as people who have a history of colorectal polyps or IBS, a diet high in processed food or red meat, smokers, and individuals who are obese or engage in heavy alcohol use. 

For people who are 76 years old or older, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preference, life expectancy, general health, and prior screening history.  March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  It is the second-leading cause of death among cancers that affect both men and women, according to the CDC. 

Survival rates for colon and rectum cancer are nearly 90% when the cancer is diagnosed before it has extended beyond the intestinal wall, according to Illinois Facts and Figures published by the American Cancer Society.

For more information about the kit distribution, call 217-788-4400.