Quad City residents 50 years old or older, or anyone with factors associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, are encouraged to pick up and return a free colon cancer testing kit during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The kits are provided free of charge in March as long as supplies last. this annual screening is sponsored by Genesis Health System, Walgreens Drug Stores, Metropolitan Medical Laboratory and the American Cancer Society. Completed kits should be mailed to the Metropolitan Medical Laboratory at Genesis East. Patients will have results mailed to them within four weeks.

The kits are designed to detect small amounts of hidden blood that can indicate early problems with polyps or cancer before other symptoms are apparent. anyone with a positive test should contact their family physician and ask about a colonoscopy.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2011 and nearly 50,000 will die from the disease. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined.

Both men and women are at risk for colon cancer and more lives could be saved if people better understood the risks of the disease and received regular testing. Screening and colonoscopy are the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer from developing.

Most cases of the disease begin as non-cancerous polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon and rectum. These polyps can become cancerous.Removing polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer from developing. Approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancers and deaths are thought to be preventable. because there are often no symptoms for polyps, it is important to be screened.

Free kits can be picked up at the following locations in March, or until supplies last:

Walgreens Drug Stores

Bettendorf: 830 Middle Road, 3425 Middle Road; Clinton: 806 S. 4th St., 1905 N. 2nd St.; Davenport: 1805 Brady St., 1720 West Kimberly; 1525 East Kimberly, 1660 West Locust St., 4011 East 53rd St.; East Moline: 301 30th Ave.; 1301 Ave. of the Cities; Geneseo, 1009 S. Oakwood Ave.; Moline: 3601 16th St., 555 19th Ave.; 4000 Ave. of the Cities; Milan: 440 10th Ave. West; Muscatine:1703 Park Ave; Rock Island: 3100 11th St.; 2955 18th Ave.

Other Pick-Up Locations

Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, 801 Illini Drive, Silvis; Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt, 1118 11th Street, DeWitt; Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, West Campus Information Desks; Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, East Campus Information Desks; American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 2397 Cumberland Square, Bettendorf.

Both men and women are at risk for colon cancer. Personal risk varies, so your doctor can help you make informed decisions about when to begin testing and the most appropriate testing method for you. Factors associated with increased risk for colon cancer include:

· Age – most diagnosed are 50 or older.

· Race – African Americans are at greater risk.

· Personal or family history of colon cancer.

· Personal or family history of intestinal polyps.

· Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative or Crohn's colitis).

· certain genetic factors (familial adenomatous polyposis, Gardner's syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, Ashkenazi Jewish descent).

· Smoking, or use of other tobacco products.

· Physical inactivity.

· Diets high in red meat.