Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. In partnership with the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition, the John B. Amos Cancer Center is hosting free colon cancer screenings this month. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
“Screenings are recommended for adults age 45 and up, or earlier if you have a high risk or family history,” said John B. Amos Cancer Center Hematologist and Medical Oncologist Dr. Suresh Nukala.
You may be eligible for a free at-home test with no colonoscopy necessary. Call the John B. Amos Cancer Center at 706-320-8700 to get prescreened and see if you are eligible.
The free screenings will take place at:
- MercyMed Mission (3679 Steam Mill Road) on Wednesdays in March from 10 a.m. to noon
- MercyMed (3702 2nd Avenue) on Thursdays in March from 10 a.m. to noon
- John B. Amos Cancer Center (1831 5th Avenue) weekdays in March from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The Fecal Immunochemical Test measures hemoglobin in the stool. It uses a small stool sample the patient provides in a special container,” said John B. Amos Cancer Center Oncology Outreach Coordinator Tenetta Holt. “All patients have to do is send it back to the lab. This test may save your life.”
More than half of all colorectal cancers can be linked to preventable risk factors like body weight, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and diet.
Visit Piedmont.org/cancer for more information about Piedmont Oncology’s patient care and supportive services.
