In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Services Program of The Southern Tier urges men and women over age 50 to get screened for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancers, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in New York State. Approximately 11,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in New York, and 4,000 men and women die from the disease annually.
Colorectal cancer is the term used for cancers that start in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer often starts as a small growth called a polyp, long before symptoms appear. A polyp is a non-cancerous growth of tissue or tumor that grows on the lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps become cancerous over time. “Screening tests can prevent cancer by finding polyps so they can be removed before they become cancerous,” said Carrie Horton, coordinator of the Cancer Services Program of The Southern Tier.
All men and women age 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer can affect anyone, men and women alike, and the risk only increases with age. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of colon cancer cases occur in people aged 50 and older. More than 30 percent of New Yorkers are not up-to-date with their colorectal cancer screenings, and at least 3 out of 5 deaths from colon cancer could be prevented if every eligible adult was tested regularly.
Some people are at greater risk for the disease than others, such as those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, history of intestinal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, and people with a history of certain inherited diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer can be prevented or detected early through regular screening. The Cancer Services Program urges you to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by:
Getting screened – Begin regular screening at age 50. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, or a personal history of another cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your health care provider about getting screened before age 50.
Eating healthy – Enjoy a low-fat diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts, and beans. Eat foods with folate such as green, leafy vegetables. A daily multivitamin containing .4mg of folic acid may also be helpful.
Kicking the habit – If you use tobacco, quit. If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start.
Skipping the alcohol – If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.
Getting moving – Exercise for at least 20 minutes, three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening, or climbing may help reduce your risk.
The New York State Department of Health Cancer Services Program (CSP) oversees the delivery of comprehensive breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening services to eligible New Yorkers in every county and borough in the State. Men and women who are uninsured for these screening services can contact their local CSP to find out how to get free colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screening. Contact the Southern Tier Cancer Services Program, covering Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Schuyler and Tioga Counties at (607) 778-3900.
