Doctors from Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU will provide free cancer screenings from 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday, March 9, at Hillsboro Area Hospital, 1200 East Tremont.

“Early detection of cancer is so important in treating the disease,” said Aziz Khan, MD, executive director of Simmons Cancer Institute and chief of hematology/oncology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. “We are very glad to partner with Hillsboro Area Hospital to offer a second year of free screenings for area residents.” The Montgomery County Cancer Association is sponsoring the free event.

Skin cancer screenings, home test kits for colorectal cancer, and radon test kits will be available. Patients can also gather healthy lifestyle tips, information about radon and testing and on other types of cancer will also be available.

Appointments are required for the free skin cancer screenings and can be made by calling 217-532-6266. Individuals interested in skin cancer screenings should be at least 18 years of age and not currently under the care of a dermatologist. Full body exams or examining a suspicious spot or mole are available.

Home test kits for colorectal cancer, or FIT kits (Fecal Immunochemical Tests), can detect blood in the stool, which is an indicator of several different medical conditions. The home screening is recommended for individuals age 50 and older, people who have a history of colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, a diet high in processed food and/or red meat, or those who smoke, are obese or abuse alcohol.

FIT kits do not substitute for a colonoscopy, which is the best method to detect colorectal cancer. Regularly scheduled screenings in the form of colonoscopies can prevent cancer from developing if precancerous polyps are detected and removed before they become cancer. Regular screenings can also find cancer in its earliest stages when it can be treated.

A short consent form is required to pick up the home screening kit. After completing the kit at home, individuals will mail it back in a provided pre-addressed envelope. Individuals will receive a letter notifying them of their results.

The mission of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU is to serve the people of central and southern Illinois by addressing their present and future cancer needs through education, research, patient care and community service.

Contact Cindy Davidsmeyer with any questions at 217.545.3837.