Colorectal Cancer Screening
March 13, 2025
Test anxiety is real – at school, work and especially at a clinic or hospital.
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS St. John’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 diagnosed with colon cancer are eligible to pick up a FIT kit at-home screening test with instructions from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 at St. John’s Pavilion Circle Drive, 301 N. 8th St., Springfield, while supplies last. Samples must be returned to HSHS St. John’s Cancer Center by Monday, April 7, 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 rates 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. John’s laboratory will analyze the tests, with the results to be 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 217-814-5395.
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS St. John’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 diagnosed with colon cancer are eligible to pick up a FIT kit at-home screening test with instructions from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 at St. John’s Pavilion Circle Drive, 301 N. 8th St., Springfield, while supplies last. Samples must be returned to HSHS St. John’s Cancer Center by Monday, April 7, 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 rates 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. John’s laboratory will analyze the tests, with the results to be 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 217-814-5395.
Media Contact
Mary Massingale
System Manager, Communications & Public Relations