Free Hemoccult-ICT Kits Available in March

MACOMB, Ill. – In recognition of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, McDonough District Hospital once again is offering free at-home colorectal cancer screening kits.

Hemoccult-ICT test kits will be available for pick-up and drop off at the MDH Drive-Thru and Bushnell Family Practice, starting Friday, March 11. Positive test results will be delivered to the 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.
 

Free test kits are available through Friday, April 15, and must be returned by April 30. 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. The Bushnell Family Practice is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Patients who are signed up through the MDH HealtheLife online medical records patient portal will have their results automatically uploaded.