During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, HSHS St. John’s Hospital is offering free at-home screening tests to community members to help ease test anxiety and promote early detection. 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.

Individuals aged 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. The kits will be available 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," said a hospital representative. Early detection is crucial, with nearly 90% of patients diagnosed at an early stage experiencing a five-year survival rate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While overall colorectal cancer rates are declining, the American Cancer Society noted that diagnoses in people under age 50 increased by nearly 2.5% each year from 2012 to 2021. St. John’s laboratory will analyze the tests, and results will be provided to participants and their primary care physicians. It is important to note that this screening test does not replace a colonoscopy.