East Central Reporter

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital aims to alleviate test anxiety by offering at-home screening tests. The initiative highlights the significance of early detection, noting that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women, as reported by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Individuals aged 45 or older, or those with an immediate family member diagnosed with colon cancer, can obtain a free InSure ONE at-home screening test from March 1 through March 31. Tests are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at the hospital's presurgical testing department. Access is through the north side entrance of the hospital. Samples must be returned by April 1. It is important to note that this screening test does not replace a colonoscopy.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for colorectal cancer, with nearly 90% of patients diagnosed at an early stage achieving a five-year survival rate. While overall rates of colorectal cancer are decreasing, diagnoses among individuals under age 50 increased by nearly 2.5% annually from 2012 to 2021, according to ACS data.

For further details about this screening event, contact Tammy Probst at 217-347-3563.