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.
Dates and times for kit pick up in Taylorville is Thursday, March 13, from 8 to 11 a.m., Taylorville Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 201 E. Pleasant St. If you have any 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 and other dates and times visit this story at www.taylorvilledailynews.com or call 217-788-4400.
