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 A colonoscopy can detect colorectal cancer early
when it is most likely to be curable or prevented. During the
process, some polyps or growths can be found and removed before
potentially becoming cancerous. Unfortunately, for various reasons,
a high percentage of at-risk people are resistant to the idea of
having a colonoscopy.
As an option for people ages 50-75 who resist having a colonoscopy,
the Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) is now offering
fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screenings that test for hidden
blood in the stool which can be an early sign of colon cancer. This
test is a quick and easy take home stool sample kit which is very
sensitive to detecting blood found in the stool. Hidden blood in
stool is associated with gastrointestinal disease including colon
cancer. Any type of rectal bleeding is abnormal and should be
evaluated by your physician.
Although a colonoscopy is the best option available to detect
early-stage colon cancer, a FIT test provides the next best
alternative. The LCDPH can bill private insurance, Medicaid and
Medicare for the cost to test. There will be no additional cost to
the public if the kit is returned to the department along with a
sample. If the kit is not returned, there will be a $10.00 fee.
For more information, please contact Kara Davis with the Logan
County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317. The current
department hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 7:30
a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. For more
information regarding LCDPH services, you can visit their website at
WWW.LCDPH.ORG.
[Logan County Department of Public
Health/LDN]
Information Source: ACS, CDC
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