CentraCare Health Offering Free Colon Cancer Test Kits

(KNSI) – Central Minnesota residents can get their hands on free colon and rectal cancer test kits in March. CentraCare Health in St. Cloud says the kits are being given out in honor of March being Colon Cancer Awareness Month. CentraCare says people who are age 45 or older can receive a free immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) Take-Home Colon Screening kit.

There’s a limited number of kits available, and the screening kits must be picked up in person. Screening kits are available at the drive-up window at CentraCare Pharmacy at St. Cloud Hospital, CentraCare’s Long Prairie Clinic Information Desk and CentraCare’s Baxter Specialty Clinic Registration.

According to officials, officials say the iFOBT screening does not replace a colonoscopy, which is the best method to detect colorectal cancer. To schedule a colonoscopy, contact your doctor. According to health experts, colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer death for men and women despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer if treated early. CentraCare says regular screening should start at age 45 or sooner if there’s a family history of cancer or other risk factors. Statistics show around 70% of people with colorectal cancer have no family history.

Or call 320-229-5100 to schedule a kit pickup from Coborn Healing Center, located at CentraCare Plaza.

For more information, go to centracare.com or call 320-229-5199, ext. 70857.

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