MDH Announces Free Hemoccult-ICT Kits Now Available During Special Summer Screening for Colorectal Cancer

MACOMB, Ill. – McDonough District Hospital is offering a special screening period this summer for colorectal cancer kits, and a partnership with a local provider.

Hemoccult-ICT test kits will be available for pick-up and drop off at the MDH Drive-Thru during its operating hours, starting Wednesday, July 7. Positive test results will be delivered to a patient’s primary care provider, and for those without a PCP the results will be delivered to Gastrointestinal specialist Dr. Timothy Biagini, allowing patients to stay local with any follow-up appointments as necessary.

This kit detects bleeding from the lower GI tract and is a safe, noninvasive way to detect colorectal cancer. The Hemoccult-ICT is a screening, not a diagnosis for colorectal cancer. Those who are age 45 or older, or are at higher risk because of personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps, should consider this screening.

The Hemoccult-ICT test kit checks for blood in bowel movements (stool) and is completed in the privacy of one’s home. There are no dietary restrictions and instructions will be included with the kit. Each participant will be notified of their results.

According to Dr. Biagini, taking a pro-active role in screening is critical.

“The best screening test for colorectal cancer is the test that gets completed,” said Dr. Biagini.

Free test kits are available through August 7, and must be returned by August 31. The MDH Drive-Thru is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Patients who are signed up through the MDH HealtheLife online medical records patient portal will have their results automatically uploaded.