March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA["The Randolph County All Health Coalition (RCAHC) wants to educate the residents of Randolph County that colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable" says Meghan Markotay of Red Bud Regional Hospital. "This is the idea behind the annual colon cancer take home test drive-thru in Randolph County."

Colon cancer is labeled as the silent killer. People in Randolph 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:

Memorial Hospital of Chester

Red Bud Regional Hospital

Sparta 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 Linda Schults of Randolph County Health Department.

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

The RCAHC has organized the annual colon cancer take home test drive-thru in Randolph County. This event is made possible from the special coordination of the American Cancer Society, Memorial Hospital of Chester, Red Bud Regional Hospital, and Sparta Community Hospital. Supplies will be limited.

Caleb Nehring of the American Cancer Society states, "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.