Colorectal Cancer Screening

March 06, 2025 

Test anxiety is real – at school, work and especially at a clinic or hospital.
 
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital wants to put community members at ease by giving away at-home screening tests while highlighting that colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States when cases for men and women are combined, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
 
Individuals 45 or older or those with an immediate family member who have had a colon cancer diagnosis are eligible to pick up an InSure ONE at-home screening test with instructions from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sat., March 15 at the Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon, 321 Regency Park, O’Fallon, while supplies last. Samples must be returned to the center by March 21 during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
 
This simple, easy test saves lives. Early detection is key to successful treatment of colorectal cancer, with nearly 90% of patients diagnosed at an early stage experiencing a five-year survival rate, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While colorectal cancer diagnoses overall are on the downswing, younger generations should pay attention – diagnoses in people under age 50 increased by nearly 2.5% each year during the 10-year span from 2012 to 2021, according to the ACS.
 
St. Elizabeth’s laboratory will analyze the tests, with the results provided to participants and their primary care physician. This screening test does not take the place of a colonoscopy.
 
To learn more about the event, call 618-607-5545.
 
Colorectal Cancer Screening

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Kelly Barbeau

System Director, Communications & Public Relations