Matt Fry Market Chief Executive Officer | Saint Mary's Hospital
Matt Fry Market Chief Executive Officer | Saint Mary's Hospital
HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is offering free at-home screening tests during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. The initiative aims to alleviate anxiety related to cancer testing and highlight the importance of early detection. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer ranks as the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States when combining cases for both men and women.
Eligible individuals, specifically those aged 45 or older or with a family history of colon cancer, can collect a FIT kit at-home screening test. These kits are available every Wednesday in March from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the outpatient registration desk located at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, 201 S. Pine St., Shelbyville, while supplies last. It is important to note that this test does not replace a colonoscopy, and samples must be returned by March 28.
Early detection plays a crucial role in treating colorectal cancer effectively. "This simple, easy test saves lives," emphasized hospital representatives, citing federal data which shows nearly 90% of patients diagnosed early have a five-year survival rate. Although overall rates of colorectal cancer are declining, there has been an increase in diagnoses among individuals under age 50 by approximately 2.5% annually from 2012 to 2021, according to ACS data.
For further details about this screening event, interested parties are encouraged to contact Tammy Probst.
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