Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet early detection can significantly improve survival rates. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is working to ease concerns about screening by offering free at-home testing kits to eligible community members.
The hospital will distribute FIT kits—an at-home screening test—every Wednesday throughout March from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the outpatient registration desk, located at 201 S. Pine St. in Shelbyville. Individuals 45 and older, or those with an immediate family member diagnosed with colon cancer, are eligible to receive a kit while supplies last. Samples must be returned by March 28. However, hospital officials emphasize that this test does not replace a colonoscopy, which remains the most comprehensive method for detecting colorectal cancer.
The importance of screening cannot be overstated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer patients diagnosed at an early stage have a nearly 90% five-year survival rate. While overall colorectal cancer rates are declining, cases among people under 50 have been steadily increasing by nearly 2.5% per year from 2012 to 2021, according to the American Cancer Society.
For more information about the screening event, individuals can contact Tammy Probst at 217-347-3563. Additional details about HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital can be found at hshsgoodshepherd.org.
