Colorectal screening kits available

Posted: Thursday, March 8, 2012 12:12 pm

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States with more than 150,000 people diagnosed each year within the U.S. and 650,000 worldwide. Regular colorectal cancer screening or testing is a powerful tool for preventing colorectal cancer because it allows for early detection. Most cases if detected early are now curable through surgery and/or treatment including chemotherapy and radiation.
The Kirkland Cancer Center at Jackson-Madison county General Hospital and the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, are offering a free colorectal cancer screening at participating pharmacies around West Tennessee.
Kenton Drug Company of Kenton is one of the pharmacies offering the kit this month.
Hemoccult kits screen for colorectal cancer and will be available for pick up at area pharmacies from March 1-16.
Most people should begin screening for colorectal at the age of 50. However, those with family history or other risk factors should begin screening as recommended by their physician.
The hemoccult kits must be mailed back to the Medical Center Lab at P.O. Box 3099 Jackson, Tennessee 38303 by March 31.  Results will be mailed back to the sender. For more information about this free screening that could be a life saving decision contact the Kirkland Cancer Center at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital at (731) 541-5087 or go to www.kirklandcancercenter.org.  For more information about the warning signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, visit the American Cancer Society web page at www.cancer.org.

WCP 3.06.12