MACOMB, Ill. – 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 are available for pick-up at the MDH Drive-Thru, MDH Convenience Clinic, MDH Family Clinic, and the Bushnell Family Practice. 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 Family Clinic. Individuals who are signed up with the MDH Patient Portal will also have their results posted to their account.
Patients can discuss follow-up options with their primary care provider. MDH Gastrointestinal specialist Dr. Timothy Biagini and MDH General Surgeon Dr. Olivia White perform colonoscopies at MDH, allowing patients to stay local with any necessary procedure.
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 109,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2026 – nearly split equally between men and women. In a report released March 2 by the ACS, 3 in 4 colorectal cancer cases among adults younger than 50 are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women nationally. It is now the number one cause of cancer-related mortality for adults younger than 50 and the second leading cause of cancer-related death overall.
“When you’re talking about doing a screening, the best test is the one that gets done. People are getting diagnosed with colon cancer at a younger age. The Hemoccult ICT test kit is a free screening tool we have offered for several years at MDH. They’re readily available, easy to use, and the results will get sent directly to you,” said Dr. Biagini. “Also, if you have a family history of colon cancer, make sure you talk with your primary care provider about the benefits of this free screening tool.”
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 13. The MDH Drive-Thru is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- MDH -
