Did you know that in 2026, the American Cancer Society projects that nearly 159,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer) in the United States? In fact, on average, a person from Tazewell County is diagnosed with colorectal cancer EVERY DAY. That’s why this March, during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Tazewell County Health Department is encouraging people to get screened and fight back against colorectal cancer!

TCHD offers low-cost, at-home colorectal cancer screening kits for just $10 to individuals ages 45-75 who qualify! How can you purchase one? Simply schedule an appointment for pick-up of your FIT testing kit at TCHD – Pekin (1800 Broadway St.) by calling 309-929-0294. Appointments are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am-4:30p.m. and Wednesdays from 1pm-4:30pm.

The test is non-invasive and requires no bowel prep or dietary restrictions. Stool samples are collected at home, and the completed kit is mailed to TCHD in a postage-paid envelope. Results are generated immediately upon receipt of the kit, and the client is contacted with the result and recommendations for follow-up as needed.

CRC is the second leading cause of deaths in the United States, but it can be cured if caught early or prevented altogether. The greatest risk factor for CRC is the failure to be screened, but this at-home testing helps to fight back against that problem.

This non-invasive screening is an option for anyone who has NOT had a colonoscopy in the last 10 years, a sigmoidoscopy in the last 5 years, or a history of colon cancer or a prior colon resection. If the test detects blood in the stool, then further follow-up with a physician will be needed.

Think FIT testing might be the right fit for you? Call 309-929-0294 to schedule your appointment or ask

questions. To learn more about colorectal cancer, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/about/index.html.