Franklin Township Health Department Offers Free Colorectal Health Kits

Franklin Township Health Department is making it easy for residents age 50 and over to check their colon health by offering free colorectal health kits, while supplies last.

Checking one’s colon health is an important step in the prevention of colorectal cancer.  Colorectal cancer forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine).  Unlike some other cancers, colorectal cancer is highly preventable and can be detected early through screening. If discovered early enough, colon cancer can be successfully treated. 

Recognizing that more than one-third of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided if people over 50 have regular tests, Franklin Township is providing free colorectal health kits to residents upon request.  The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) Kit includes an easy to use stool collection card, for use in the privacy of your own home, as well as an envelope to return the sample to the Health Department.    The FOBT checks for small amounts of hidden blood in the stool, which could indicate a potential health problem, including colorectal cancer.  Participants will receive their confidential screening results by U.S. mail. 

 
The most common symptom of early colorectal cancer is no symptom - that is why routine screening is so important.   In the absence of symptoms or risk factors, screening should start no later than age 50 and continue routinely - once is not enough. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer accounts for over 10% of all cancer cases and cancer deaths in Somerset County -- so men and women must make routine colorectal health screenings a part of their regular healthcare.

Residents age 50 and older may request a colorectal health kit in person at the Franklin Township Health Department Administrative Office at 475 Demott Lane, or by calling 732-873-2500, extension 372.