CancerSexyStool: McDonough District Hospital Makes Prevention Easier

"Nobody [cares] about anybody's colon 'cause it's up your arse...It's not sexy," quipped colon cancer survivor Sharon Osbourne on the third installment of "The Celebrity Apprentice." Perhaps this explains why, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), only 4 out of 10 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an "early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful." The McDonough District Hospital (MDH) of Macomb, IL is empowering locals to change those statistics--at home, for free.

From now until April 15, 2011, MDH's Outreach Services division will provide free colorectal cancer test kits, specifically, fecal occult blood test kits. They are designed for at-home use, and come with detailed instructions. As noted by the ACS, fecal occult blood tests are one of a few tests that find colon cancer early by detecting "tiny amounts of blood or cells shed by polyps or early cancer." (Polyps are tiny growths that can remain harmless or become cancerous.)

Of course, most test kit users do not have the means or expertise to analyze their own results. They don't have to. If completed tests are returned to the hospital by Friday, April 29, 2011, they will be analyzed free of charge, and "each participant will be notified of [their] results," says MDH. After notification, participants can then speak with their health care providers to determine what is the next appropriate step.

Pick up test kits from McDonough District Hospital, located at 525 E. Grant St., Macomb, IL. Outreach Services is on the third floor, west wing. Their office hours are Mon. - Fri., 8am - 4:30pm. However, MDH states that "test kits can be obtained and returned to the MDH Admitting/Registration department (first floor, front entrance)" before and after hours. For questions, call Outreach Services at (309) 836-1584.

Fecal occult blood test kits: certainly not sexy, but critical in the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Note: MDH also offers a free Look Good Feel Better program, sponsored by the ACS. According to MDH, this is a cosmetologist-led program, teaching current and recent patients ways to manage skin/hair changes caused by cancer treatments. Contact Outreach Services to register.

Sources:

Sharon Osbourne, "The Celebrity Apprentice (3)," NBC Universal

"Five Myths About Colorectal Cancer," American Cancer Society

"Free Colorectal Cancer Test Kits Available at MDH," McDonough District Hospital

"Get Tested for Colon Cancer: Here's How" (Video), American Cancer Society

"Upcoming Events," McDonough District Hospital