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Colon cancer screening kits available at SCI March 19

Published Date:
Colorectal screening event


SPRINGFIELD, IL

Simmons Cancer Institute will provide free colorectal cancer screening kits to area residents at a drive-thru event from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. Guests may enter Simmons Cancer Institute’s circle drive (315 W. Carpenter) and remain in their vehicle while a kit is brought to them.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States and the second most common when the groups are combined. Colorectal cancer caused about 53,000 deaths in 2024.

Colon cancer risk factors are:
•    age 45+
•    family history of cancer
•    smoker
•    heavy alcohol use
•    overweight

Fortunately, screening finds polyps more often and physicians can remove them before they can develop into cancer, contributing to decades of declining death rates from colorectal cancer. Screening also helps find many colorectal cancers earlier, when they are easier to treat. 

Help continue this trend. Visit SCI on March 19 and take home a kit for yourself or a loved one while supplies last. The at-home test should be returned within 10 days of pickup.

The kit giveaway is a part of a community-wide screening initiative being done in conjunction with the Regional Cancer Partnership.

Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU cares for the people of central and southern Illinois by addressing their present and future cancer needs through education, research, patient care and community service. Learn more at siumed.org/cancer. 
 

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