How can I get tested for colon cancer in Central Illinois?

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be given out this month at select healthcare centers throughout Central Illinois.

The giveaway is part of the Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield Clinic and HSHS St. John’s Hospital. The drive-thru event will take place in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville.

“March is Colorectal Awareness Month, and we encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity for a free screening,” Tia Rapps, community cancer education coordinator for the Regional Cancer Center, said. “It truly is an easy and safe way to screen. Also, kits will be available while supplies last so don’t procrastinate.”

Here’s where and when to find a free colon cancer test kit near you:

• Decatur
  • Friday, March 14, from 8 a.m. until supplies run out at Crossing Healthcare Drive-Thru, 990 N. Water St.
  • Additional questions can be directed to 217-876-4749
• Jacksonville
  • Tuesday, March 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wednesday, March 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Jacksonville Memorial Hospital Circle Drive-thru, 1600 W. Walnut Ave.
  • Additional questions can be directed to 447-784-3212
• Lincoln
  • Wednesday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, Lincoln Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 200 Stahlhut Drive
  • Additional questions can be directed to 217-605-5014
• Springfield
  • Thursday, March 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Springfield Clinic 900 Building Drive-Thru, 900 N. 1^st St.
  • Additional questions can be directed to 217-280-6954
• Springfield
  • Wednesday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., Simmons Cancer Institute Drive-Thru, 315 W. Carpenter St.
  • Additional questions can be directed to 217-545-7495
• Springfield
  • Thursday, March 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Drive-Thru Lab, at 320 E. Carpenter St.
  • Additional questions can be directed to 217-788-4400
• Springfield
  • Thursday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., St. John’s Pavilion Drive-Thru, 301 N. 8^th St.
  • Additional questions can be directed to 217-544-6464, ext. 2045877
• Taylorville
  • Thursday, March 13, from 8 to 11 a.m., Taylorville Memorial Hospital Drive-Thru, 201 E. Pleasant St.
  • Additional questions can be directed to 217-707-5258.

When drivers arrive, they are asked to follow the drive-thru signs and remain in their cars. Then, completed kits should be mailed back with the provided envelope within 10 days of kit pickup. Letters with result information will be sent back to the individuals.

Colon cancer screenings are recommended for people 45 years old or older, those with a history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, people with a diet high in processed food or red meat, smokers, people who are obese and heavy drinkers.

Anyone 18 or older is eligible for a kit, especially those with a higher risk. For more information about the kit distribution, call 217-788-4400.