CSP is Speaking Out About Colorectal Cancer

Katlyn Newberry

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it’s worth talking about it! Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in Black individuals, and 1 in 24 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. In addition, Black Americans are 15% more likely to get colon cancer and 35% more likely to die from it than non-Hispanic White individuals. In the United States today, data shows that only 21% of uninsured individuals 45-49 years old are being screened for colorectal cancer like they should. That means that four out of five adults who do not have health insurance within this age-range are not being screened for this deadly disease!

The truth is, regular screenings for colon cancer can catch this cancer early when it is easier to treat, or even prevent it altogether. Often with colorectal cancer there are no signs or symptoms until it has already spread. The Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region (CSP-FLR) is never silent about colorectal cancer, especially during March. Most adults should start screening at age 45, which can even be done at home. Colorectal cancer screening tests can find the growths that lead to cancer. These growths can then be removed, which may even prevent cancer! Screening tests can also find colon cancer early, when treatment may work best. Colorectal cancer has a 91% survival rate when found early.

If you are age 45 or older, talk to your health care provider about getting screened. If you do not have a health care provider or health insurance, the CSP-FLR is ready to help. We offer free colorectal cancer screenings to uninsured people ages 45 and older and can connect you to a healthcare provider, if needed.

The CSP-FLR can help you get your colon cancer screenings. Don’t wait. Call us at 585-224-3070.

Submitted by Katlyn Newberry, community outreach coordinator, Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region