Press release:
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County Health departments are urging everyone to talk to their doctor about screening and testing options for colorectal cancer (also called colon cancer).
Friday, March 4th is Dress in Blue DayTM to raise awareness and show support to loved ones or in memory of those who have died from colorectal cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with recommended screening, the number of people who die from colorectal cancer could be reduced by at least 60 percent.1
“When colorectal cancer is found and treated early, it can often be cured,” said Dr. Gregory Collins, commissioner of the Wyoming County Health Department.
In some cases, screening can actually prevent the development of colorectal cancer by finding polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they become cancerous. Yet colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in New York State. Each year, more than 10,000 New Yorkers develop colorectal cancer and more than 3,500 die as a result.
“Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, especially at first, which is why regular screening is needed to catch the disease in its earliest stages,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Genesee and Orleans County Health departments.
“We want people to know there is more than one screening test for colorectal cancer and screening is easier than ever. The important thing to remember is to talk to your doctor, decide which screening test is right for you, and get screened. For anyone without a doctor or without insurance, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Genesee and Orleans and the Cancer Services Program of Livingston and Wyoming can help.”
All men and women age 50 and older should get screened for colorectal cancer. Although this disease can occur at any age, most people who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50. Anyone with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum), colorectal cancer, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, is at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. These folks should talk to their doctors about when to begin screening and how often they should be tested.
The CSP of Genesee /Orleans County ( 585-344-5497 or 585-798-9542) and Livingston / Wyoming (800-588-8670 or 585-786-8890) are part of the New York State Department of Health’s Cancer Services Program, which offers colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screening to eligible uninsured individuals in every county in the state.
To find a local Cancer Services Program near you, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/community_resources/ or call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262). For individuals insured through Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial health plans, including those participating in the New York State of Health, colorectal cancer screening is covered with no cost to the patient.
To learn more about screening options, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/screening.htm
For information about cancer screening or health department services contact,
- Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit the Web site at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html. Visit Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter at GeneseeCoHealthDept.
- Orleans County Health Department at: 589-3278 or check out the website at: www.orleansny.com/publichealth. Visit Facebook and Twitter: the user name for both is OrleansCoHealth.
- Wyoming County Health Department at: 786-8890 or visit the Web site at www.wyomingco.net/health/main.html.
1 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/infographic.htm
