EFFINGHAM— Did you know that colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths when the cases for men and women are combined? If caught early, colorectal cancer can be successfully treated, so it is important not to delay preventive screenings when you are eligible.
St. Anthony’s will hold Colorectal Cancer Awareness events on Wednesdays in March starting March 8 in the lobby of HSHS St. Anthony’s Health Center, located at 900 W. Temple Ave., Building B. Stop by anytime between the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about your screening options. Please wear a non-cloth, medical-grade mask, as masks are still required in health care facilities per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
If you or your family member are age 45 or older or should have a screening due to a colon cancer diagnosis of a first-degree relative, come to this event to learn more about your screening options. Participants may receive a simple take-home Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) test at no charge (while supplies last) or learn how to schedule a colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer screenings have been proven to save lives. The American Cancer Society (ACS) colorectal screening guidelines for adults now recommend screening to begin at age 45 for people at average risk. ACS data shows that new cases of colorectal cancer are occurring at an increasing rate among younger adults. Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms, so everyone 45 and older should get tested. Screening options may include:
- Fecal Immunochemical (or Immunohistochemical) Test (FIT, also known as iFOBT) – a fecal blood test should be done every year. Note: Most insurance providers only cover a FIT take-home screening test once every 12 months.
- Colonoscopy – Depending on findings, a colonoscopy is normally repeated every five to 10 years. Please check with your insurance provider on coverage for a colonoscopy.
Routine screening can prevent colon cancer or find it at an early, treatable stage. If you have not been screened, plan to attend this Colorectal Cancer Awareness event. If you have already been screened, talk to your friends and family who are over 45 years of age about getting screened. Together, we can help to eliminate colorectal cancer as a major public health problem.
For more information regarding this Colorectal Cancer Awareness event, contact Tammy Probst, cancer care administrative director, at 217-347-3563. For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit stanthonyshospital.org.
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About Hospital Sisters Health System
Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high-quality Franciscan health care ministry. HSHS provides state-of-the-art health care to our patients and is dedicated to serving all people, especially the most vulnerable, at each of our physician practices and 15 local hospitals in two states – Illinois (Breese, Decatur, Effingham, Greenville, Highland, Litchfield, O’Fallon, Shelbyville and Springfield) and Wisconsin (Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Oconto Falls, Sheboygan and two in Green Bay). HSHS is sponsored by Hospital Sisters Ministries, and Hospital Sisters of St. Francis is the founding institute. For more information about HSHS, visit www.hshs.org. For more information about Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, visit www.hospitalsisters.org.