MOUNT VERNON – In the hope of promoting health for residents of Knox County and surrounding areas, Knox Community Hospital (KCH) is offering free colorectal cancer screenings through kits that will be available the entire month of April.
Kits are being distributed March 29 through April 30 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the main entrance of the hospital. Once completed, the kit can be returned via mail or brought to a drop box at the hospital. All kits must be returned by May 14.
Colorectal cancer is the most preventable form of cancer, but it is also the least prevented cancer. It is the second-highest cause of death among cancers in the U.S. when the numbers of men and women are combined.
“Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common,” a recent release on the KCH website said. “Most colorectal cancers begin as a growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.”
In order to combat colon cancer, individuals need to regularly be screened to determine if they have polyps in their colon or rectum. If detected early, they can be removed before they become cancerous. While not all polyps become cancer, it is imperative to detect the presence of any growths in order to ensure that they are not a risk.
Unfortunately, adding to the lack of diagnosis of colorectal cancer is a great deal of misunderstanding surrounding the topic. Many individuals incorrectly believe that if there is no family history of colon or rectal cancers then there is not a chance they will contract it. Most cases of colorectal cancers, however, are in people whose families have not had it. At the same time, individuals who do have a family history of the cancers are at an even higher risk.
Another myth surrounding the topic of colorectal cancer is that a colonoscopy (which is both time-consuming and invasive) is the only way to screen for the cancers. This is becoming less and less true, as there are a number of ways to screen for the diseases, some of which are kits that you can simply take with you and complete in the comfort of your own home.
Finally, while many believe that screening for colorectal cancer is too expensive, this is just not the case. Most screenings tests are covered by insurance, but there are also low-cost options that are suitable for lower-income individuals.
For information on how to receive a kit, call (740) 393-9621.
