Free colorectal cancer-screening kits available Friday

Staff report

In recognition of March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, ValleyCare Health System of Ohio’s two local hospitals will offer free colorectal cancer-screening kits.

The free kits will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Northside Medical Center in Youngstown and Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer in the United States, but that could change.

At least 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided, if everyone age 50 or older had regular screening tests. Both men and women can get colorectal cancer, according to the ValleyCare news release.

The kit is called a fecal immunochemical test. It’s painless, and the screening is done at home.

Once it’s completed, samples are mailed in an envelope proided. ValleyCare’s lab will perform the analysis, and results will be mailed back to test takers.

Free kits can be picked up without leaving the car at Northside Medical Center, 500 Gypsy Lane. Pull in the main entrance and follow the signs.

Trumbull Memorial Hospital’s medical professional building is located at 1353 E. Market St. The building can be accessed by entering the driveway from Laird Ave. For information, call 330-884-1064.