Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Kits Available at Central Illinois Drive-Thru Events

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital's circle drive at 1600 W. Walnut Ave. will serve as a pickup point for free at-home colorectal cancer screening kits on Tuesday, March 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. and again Wednesday, March 25, from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of a regional drive-thru distribution effort organized by the Regional Cancer Partnership spanning five central Illinois communities.

The Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield Clinic and HSHS St. John's Hospital, is distributing the free FIT kits throughout March in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville. Kits are available while supplies last.

"March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this free screening opportunity," said Tia Rapps, community cancer education coordinator for the Regional Cancer Center. "This is one of the simplest ways to protect your health. Screening from the comfort of your home could truly save your life. Kits are available while supplies last, so don't wait. Early detection makes all the difference."

The process is straightforward. Drivers follow posted signs and remain in their vehicles, fill out a brief form at pickup, take the kit home and complete the test, which takes just a few minutes. The sample is then mailed back using the included postage-paid envelope within 10 days of pickup, and results are sent to participants by letter.

Take-home screenings are recommended for anyone 45 and older, as well as people with specific risk factors: a history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, a diet high in processed food or red meat, smoking, obesity or heavy alcohol use. Anyone 18 or older is eligible for a kit. For those 76 and older, the decision to screen should be based on personal preferences, life expectancy, general health and prior screening history.

Dr. Deepa Sheth, a radiologist and spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, noted that many people mistakenly believe colon cancer only affects older adults. That misconception carries real consequences. Rapps put the stakes plainly: "Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. It's the second leading cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined, and it's preventable."

Events at other regional sites are either underway or upcoming. Springfield's Simmons Cancer Institute Drive-Thru at 315 W. Carpenter St. held distribution today, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Taylorville Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru at 201 E. Pleasant St. is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, from 8 to 11 a.m., and Decatur's Crossing Healthcare Drive-Thru at 990 N. Water St. follows Friday, March 13, beginning at 7:30 a.m. until supplies run out. Lincoln Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru at 200 Stahlhut Drive hosts its event Wednesday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Springfield will hold two additional events: Memorial Drive-Thru Lab at 320 E. Carpenter St. on March 25 from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and St. John's Pavilion Drive-Thru at 301 N. 8th St. on March 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.

For general information about the kit distribution, call 217-788-4400. For questions specific to the Jacksonville event, contact organizers at 447-784-3212, though readers should note that number differs from the 217 area code used by other event sites and may want to confirm it before calling. Questions about the Lincoln event can be directed to 217-605-5014.