March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month

"The Perry County Health and Wellness Coalition (PCHWC) wants to educate the residents of Perry County that colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable" says Pam Logan of Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin. "This was the idea behind the annual colon cancer take home test drive-thru in Perry County."

Colon cancer is labeled as the silent killer. People in Perry County are working to change that. On Friday, March 30th, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. you can pick up a free take home colon cancer test.

Anyone interested in obtaining their free test can pick it up at the following locations:

• Marshall Browning Hospital
• Pinckneyville Community Hospital

The tests will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis. Registration is not necessary. "Individuals who are serious about preventing colon cancer before it starts are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity" says Jodi Schoen of Perry County Health Department.

"This test will not determine if someone has colon cancer, but it will determine if further testing is recommended" states Christie Gajewski of Pinckneyville Community Hospital. "The take home test is an easy, private way for individuals to take the first step in preventing colon cancer"

The PCHWC has organized the annual colon cancer take home test drive-thru in Perry County. This event is made possible from the special coordination of the American Cancer Society, Marshall Browning Hospital, and Pinckneyville Community Hospital. Supplies will be limited.

Caleb Nehring of the American Cancer Society, "While younger adults can develop colorectal cancer, chances increase after age 50. More than 90% of people diagnosed are older than 50."

For questions or more information about this event please call the American Cancer Society at 618.998.9898, option 3.