Southern 7 Health to host colorectal cancer event March 25

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related  deaths in men and third in women in the United States.

Southern 7 Health Department Community Outreach Coordinator, Shawnna Rhine, says they are partnering with other organizations to raise awareness in southern Illinois.

“When they come out to the event, they’re going to be able to stroll through a 20-foot inflatable; they’ll also have an opportunity to take home an at-home colon cancer screening and this is just a screening that they take home [to] complete and send back to our office,” said Rhine.

According to the CDC, persons 45-to-75 years of age should begin regular screenings for CRC.

Southern Illinois is one of the hotspots for the cancer, Rhine said.

“[Southern Illinois] is inside one of three hotspots in the nation for colorectal cancer cases and deaths, and we know that when colon cancer as well the polyps that could go on to cause colon cance,r when we know that those are found early and removed early colon cancer can be 100% preventable,” said Rhine.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 25 at the Hill Side Shelter at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville, Ill.