UPMC Hamot is making good on a pledge from 2016 by offering free colon cancer screening kits to the public.

The hospital, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, pledges to get 80% of their patients screened for colorectal cancer by the end of this year.  So, they’re giving away free ‘fit tests’.  It’s a simple, at-home screening that tests for early signs of cancer.

Robert Hower, Jr., DO Gastroenterologist at UPMC Hospital, says, “It’s important for people to get tested because it’s so preventable. Basically, of all our screening tests we have… colonoscopy is most effective.”

If you are over 50 and have not had a colonoscopy or have a family history of colon cancer, you qualify to receive a free kit.  The free kits are available at UPMC Hospital’s main lobby tomorrow from 7am until 1pm.