Not counting skin cancers,  colorectal cancer – cancer of the colon or rectum – is the third-most common cancer found in men and women in this country, according to the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, when diagnosed in its early stages, colorectal cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer.

One way to facilitate early detection is the use of home screening kits. From June 15 through June 17, Lakeland HealthCare will be providing a free colorectal cancer screening kit at several locations. This test eliminates the need for participants to follow a restricted diet or limit the use of medications prior to screening.

The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for colorectal cancer indicate that in one year, more than 100,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and another 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with rectal cancer. Nearly 50,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer.

However, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been going down for the past 15 years. Thanks to colorectal cancer screening, polyps can be found and removed before they turn into cancer. Colorectal cancer can also be found earlier, when it is easier to cure.

The screening is easy to perform at home. It detects hidden blood in the stool, a first step in the screening process for colon cancer. The completed test kit is then returned to the hospital, and the results are mailed to the participant’s home.

Free screening kits will be available at the following locations and times:

From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

• Main Lobby, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph

• Health Resource Library, Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph

• Main Lobby, Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• Gift Shop, Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center

For more information, call (269) 927-5404 or (269) 683-5510 ext. 5404.