Southern Seven Health Department receives grant to continue colorectal cancer screening program

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

ULLIN, Ill., (KBSI)— The Southern Seven Health Department (S7HD) has received a subaward grant from the Illinois Public Health Association, funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health, to continue its colorectal cancer testing and patient navigation program through June 2026.

Since 2019, S7HD has provided free at-home Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT) to residents in the seven southernmost counties of Illinois as part of an effort to increase colorectal cancer screening. The grant supports statewide outreach, education and screening access initiatives aimed at boosting early detection rates.

Residents ages 45 to 75 may request the FIT kit, which detects blood in the stool with 97% accuracy. While FIT does not diagnose colorectal cancer, blood may indicate the presence of colon polyps. Patients with abnormal FIT results are referred for colonoscopies and receive follow-up support through S7HD’s patient care navigation program.

Between September 2019 and July 2025, 612 residents completed FIT testing through S7HD. Of those, 18% tested positive—higher than the national positivity rate of 7% to 12%. Among patients who completed follow-up colonoscopies, more than half (54%) had early-stage polyps removed, preventing potential cancer development.

“The seven southernmost counties of Illinois sit in one of three ‘hot spots’ in the nation for colorectal cancer,” said Shawnna Rhine, S7HD Community Outreach Coordinator. “By this, we know that many people in our region aren’t getting regular colonoscopies, making early detection screenings like FIT even more necessary in saving lives. We are grateful to IPHA and IDPH for supporting us in our continued mission.”

National trends show declining colorectal cancer death rates among adults over 50, attributed in part to improved education and early detection. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening for adults ages 45 to 75, with individual assessment recommended for those 76 to 85.

FIT kits may be requested by calling 618-634-2297 or visiting Home – Southern 7 Health Department.

Southern Seven Health Department serves the seven southernmost Illinois counties, focusing on disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, healthcare access and Head Start programming.