Residents in Springfield and nearby communities will have multiple opportunities to pick up free take-home colon cancer screening kits at drive-thru events throughout March. The screenings are sponsored by the Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield Clinic, and HSHS St. John’s Hospital.
“March is Colorectal Awareness Month, and we encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity for a free screening,” said Tia Rapps, community cancer education coordinator for the Regional Cancer Center. “It truly is an easy and safe way to screen. Also, kits will be available while supplies last so don’t procrastinate.”
Screening Kit Pickup Dates & Locations:
Decatur: Friday, March 14, from 8 a.m. until supplies run out, Crossing Healthcare Drive-Thru, 990 N. Water St. Questions? Call 217-876-4749.
Jacksonville: Tuesday, March 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wednesday, March 12, from 4 to 6 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital Circle Drive-Thru, 1600 W. Walnut Ave. Questions? Call 447-784-3212.
Lincoln: Wednesday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, Lincoln Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 200 Stahlhut Drive. Questions? Call 217-605-5014.
Springfield: Thursday, March 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Springfield Clinic 900 Building Drive-Thru, 900 N. 1st St.
Springfield: Wednesday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at Simmons Cancer Institute Drive-Thru, 315 W. Carpenter St.
Springfield: Thursday, March 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Memorial Drive-Thru Lab, 320 E. Carpenter St.
Springfield: Thursday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. John’s Pavilion Drive-Thru, 301 N. 8th St.
Taylorville: Thursday, March 13, from 8 to 11 a.m., Taylorville Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 201 E. Pleasant St. Questions? Call 217-707-5258.
Participants should follow the posted signs at each location and remain in their vehicles while receiving their kits. Once completed, kits should be mailed back using the provided, postage-paid envelope within 10 days. Individuals will be notified of their results via mail.
Take-home colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for adults aged 45 and older, as well as individuals with risk factors such as a history of colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, high consumption of processed foods or red meat, smoking, obesity, or heavy alcohol use. While individuals 18 and older are eligible for a kit, younger adults are increasingly being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. For those 76 and older, screening decisions should be based on personal health history and preferences.