KDH offering free, take-home colon cancer screening kits in March
Contact: Dave Ommen
In recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, King's Daughters' Health (KDH) is again providing FREE take-home, DNA-based colon cancer testing kits through its physician/provider offices. Testing kits are available from physicians who care for adult patients - Family Medicine and Internal Medicine providers.
KDH urges men and women age 50-and-over to discuss appropriate screening options for the prevention and early detection of colon cancer. Individuals who have a family history of colon cancer may need to begin screenings earlier. DNA-based testing kits are designed for men and women at average risk of colon cancer. Patients should talk to their provider about whether a DNA-based kit is appropriate for them.
The DNA-based testing kits will be available during March and must be returned by April 1 for processing. Take the kit home, follow the directions, and then return the kit to the provider's office. If follow-up is needed, the provider's office will contact the patient.
A colonoscopy remains the gold standard for the early detection and prevention of colon cancer. Unless a patient’s history or risk factors suggest otherwise, beginning at age 50, men and women are encouraged to schedule a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a physician can see inside the colon and remove any polyps for further evaluation.
Patients needing help finding a primary care provider may call the KDH Patient Access Line at 812.801.8995.