March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

by Contributor | March 4, 2021 11:00 am

FULTON — Beginning last March, 2020, there was a temporary shutdown of some health services to limit the spread of COVID-19.

According to an April 2020 report, this led to a 90% drop in colonoscopies in the U.S. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness month this March, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of North Country wants to remind our community that screening can also be done safely at home using a stool-based test.

“The Cancer Services Program has always used stool-based tests to screen average risk people for colorectal cancer,” said Carolyn Handville. “Stool-based tests, such as the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), are safe and effective. The test is done once a year by sending a small amount of stool to a lab where it is checked for blood. If the test comes back abnormal, a colonoscopy is needed to find out if the blood is from cancer.”

If a colonoscopy is needed, whether it be for initial screening or as a follow up to an abnormal stool-based test, patients should feel comfortable that medical offices are taking many steps to lower the risk of getting COVID-19. Safety precautions include mask wearing, screening staff and patients for COVID-19 symptoms, increased cleaning of hands and surfaces, and social distancing. Ask the office what steps they are taking to lower the risk for spreading COVID-19.

Regular screening for colorectal cancer can save lives. Screening can find cancer early when it may be easier to treat. Screening can also find growths (called polyps) that can be removed before they turn into cancer. If you are age 50 or older, you should get screened for colorectal cancer. Adults younger than age 50 should talk to their health care provider about their risk for colorectal cancer and when to start screening.

“The Cancer Services Program is ready to answer questions about colorectal cancer and help those who do not have insurance get a free screening,” Handville said.

The CSP offers free colorectal cancer screening to eligible adults who are uninsured. The CSP can help access treatment if needed. The program also provides free breast and cervical cancer screening. Please call 1-855-592-0830 for more information.

The New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP) provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services at no cost to adults who live in New York State, do not have health insurance, have health insurance with a cost share that makes the cost of screening too high, and meet the program rules for age and income. To find a Cancer Services Program visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/community_resources/
or call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262).

Did you know? OCO is here for you, providing 50-plus services that help people, support our communities, and change lives for the better! Check our website at www.oco.org for news, information and job postings as well as community resources. Call our hotline 1-877-342-7618 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday for assistance with basic needs. #OCOHere4You

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/march-is-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month-3/

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