Blessing offers free colorectal cancer screening kits in March

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In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Blessing Health is providing free, take-home colorectal cancer screening kits to the public at locations in west central Illinois and northeast Missouri, and by mail. The kits are available beginning March 3 and while supplies last. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and this year, More than 154,000 people will be diagnosed. While the risk is highest for those 50 and older, cases are rising sharply among younger adults. By 2030, colorectal cancer is expected to be the leading cause of cancer deaths in people under 50. There are often no clearly identifiable symptoms of colorectal cancer in its early stage. Identifiable symptoms typically appear once colorectal cancer has spread and the survival rate decreases. This fact makes screening a key action in decreasing the risk for colorectal cancer. Beginning March 3 and while supplies last, kits are available in the following locations:
■ Blessing Resource Center, 420 N. 34th Street, Quincy
■ Illini Rural Health Clinic, Pittsfield
■ Blessing Health Hannibal Cancer Center, south entrance
■ Blessing clinics in Golden, Mount Sterling and Hamilton Warsaw, IL; Bowling Green, Kahoka, Monroe City and Palmyra, Mo.
■ Clark County Health Department, Kahoka, Mo.
■ Knox County Health Department, Edina, Mo.
■ Lewis County Health Department, Monticello, Mo.
■ Monroe County Health Department, Paris, Mo.
■ Kits can be picked up at the Blessing Cancer Center by appointment. Call 217-223-8400, ext. 7718 or email [email protected] The free, take-home colorectal cancer screening kits are also available by mail. Go to blessinghealth.org/colon for more information on that option. The list of kit pick-up locations and related information regarding colorectal cancer care are also on the webpage.