In recognition of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, McDonough District Hospital will again offer free at-home colorectal cancer screening kits.
Hemoccult-ICT test kits will be available for pick-up at the MDH Drive-Thru, MDH Family Clinic, Bushnell Family Practice, and the MDH Monmouth Clinic starting Monday, March 4. All test cards can either be returned to the Drive-Thru or mailed back to the MDH Laboratory.
Test results will be delivered to the patient’s primary care provider, and for those without a provider the results will be delivered to the MDH Convenience Clinic. Individuals who are signed up with the MDH Patient Portal will also have their results posted to their account. Positive test results will be delivered to the patient’s primary care provider, who can discuss follow-up options with MDH General Surgery or Springfield Clinic Gastrointestinal specialist Dr. Timothy Biagini, allowing patients to stay local with any follow-up appointments as necessary.
This kit detects bleeding from the lower GI tract and is a safe, noninvasive way to detect colorectal cancer. The Hemoccult-ICT is a screening, not a diagnosis for colorectal cancer. Those who are age 45 or older, or are at higher risk because of personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps, should consider this screening.
The Hemoccult-ICT test kit checks for blood in bowel movements (stool) and is completed in the privacy of one’s home. There are no dietary restrictions and instructions will be included with the kit. Each participant will be notified of their results.
The free test kits must be returned by April 15. The MDH Drive-Thru is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
***Courtesy of McDonough District Hospital***
