Local hospitals team up with American Cancer Society to prevent colon cancer

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[In honor of National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Ferrell Hospital and Harrisburg Medical Center have teamed up with the American Cancer Society to provide free take-home colon cancer tests to anyone who is interested.

"This test will not determine if someone has colon cancer, but it will determine if further testing is recommended," said Caleb Nehring of the American Cancer Society. "The take home test is an easy, private way for individuals to take the first step in preventing colon cancer."

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 30, anyone who would like to receive a free test may stop by Ferrell Hospital or drive under the canopy at the south entrance to Harrisburg Medical Center, where people will be handing out the tests. No registration is necessary, and the tests will be given out on a first come-first serve basis.

"Individuals who are serious about preventing colon cancer before it starts are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity," said Marsha Oliboni of Harrisburg Medical Center.

This event is made possible from the special coordination of the American Cancer Society, Ferrell Hospital and Harrisburg Medical Center. Supplies will be limited.

Heather Morse of Ferrell Hospital elaborated on which members of the population are most at-risk of developing colon cancer.

"While younger adults can develop colorectal cancer, chances increase after age 50. More than 90 percent of people diagnosed are older than 50," said Morse.

For questions or more information about this event, people may call the American Cancer Society at (618) 998-9898 and select option three.