By New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, R-C-Rome, 53rd District
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This is a good opportunity to educate the public – especially younger generations – about the need for colorectal screening and prevention.
Colorectal cancer does not discriminate. It can affect people from all races and ethnic backgrounds.
Each year, almost 4,600 men and over 4,200 women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and almost 1,400 men and at least 1,300 women in New York die from this disease, according to the New York State Department of Health. It is estimated that one in 25 people will develop colorectal cancer sometime in their life.
Some colorectal cancers can be prevented by removing polyps, according to the department. Polyps are noncancerous growths of tissue that can become cancer if they are not removed. In addition, colorectal cancers are more treatable when found early, before the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Regular testing increases the chance of stopping colon cancer before it starts or finding it early when treatment may be most effective. Current guidelines recommend that people aged 45 or older get screened for colorectal cancer. Adults younger than age 45 should talk to their health care provider about their risk for colorectal cancer and when to start screening.
If you or someone in your family has had colorectal cancer or certain risk factors, you may need to start testing at an earlier age compared to other adults without such risk factors. Talk to your health care provider about when you should start getting tested.
There are ways to reduce your risk, according to the health department. This includes:
- Be aware of your family history and discuss any concerns with your health care provider. You may need to start screening for colorectal cancer at a younger age.
- Exercise regularly.
- Choose a diet with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and less red and processed meats (e.g., bacon, sausage, luncheon meat, hot dogs). These actions may reduce the risk of developing other diseases as well.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, quit. Avoid exposure to second hand smoke. For more information on quitting smoking, visit the NYS Quitline at www.nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS.
- Drink less alcohol or choose not to drink.
- Talk with your health care provider about recommended screenings for other types of cancer.
Free screenings are offered to eligible uninsured men and women through the State Department of Health Cancer Services Program, and you can find more information about those locations by calling 1-866-442-2262.
A rising number of New Yorkers are being screened for colorectal cancer, but we can do better. With such cases emerging more in younger generations, we must do better. If you are at risk, get screened.
###
