Health department receives additional funding to offer colorectal cancer screenings
Southern Seven Health Department has received additional funding dedicated to screening for colorectal cancer.
Union County is served by Southern Seven Health Department.
The additional funds are made possible through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, funding awarded to the University of Chicago’s Center for Asian Health Equity in collaboration with The Hope Light Foundation.
The funding is part of the Colon Cancer Alliance to Reignite and Enhance Screening, CARES, Program.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United States.
The CDC recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 50.
One way to screen is a Fecal Immunochemical Test, FIT, a stool-based test. Information about the test is available by contacting the health department – phone 618-634-2297, extension 112.
The program to increase colorectal cancer screening is in effect through March.
The health department noted in a news release that: “By screening yourself for colorectal cancer, you can address the colorectal cancer burden in your community.”
There are six organizations participating in the collaborative partnership:
Southern Seven Health Department, CRC Life, Effingham County Health Department, Scott County Health Department, St. Clair County Health Department and Wabash County Health Department.
The partnering organizations serve communities that are adversely affected by colorectal cancer with high occurrences of cancer cases, increased mortality and decreased preventive screening.
The health department notes that colorectal cancer is preventable with regular screening. Thie partnership will serve to alleviate the colorectal cancer burden in these communities.