To: Allegany County Media
From: Theresa Moore, Supervising Public Health Educator/Public Information Officer
Re: March-Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Date: March 17, 2023

 News Release: March-Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Allegany County Department of Health encourages Allegany County residents age 45 and over to get screened for Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S and New York State. Since 2005, deaths from colorectal cancer has dropped nearly 3 percent per year, and the decrease is mainly among those ages 50 and older.

Deaths from colorectal cancer have risen in the U.S. by 1.2 percent each year from 2005 to 2020 among people younger than 50. In addition, more than 1 in 10 new cases occur in people younger than age 50. Because of these alarming trends, the recommended age to start colorectal cancer screening was lowered from age 50 to 45.

Getting screened regularly and at the right age can save lives. Screening tests can find growths that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early when treatment may work best. When found early, people have an excellent chance of surviving the disease.

The Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Steuben, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties offers free colorectal cancer screening to New Yorkers ages 45 and older without health insurance. Screening can be done at home and it’s easy! The CSP will pay for a follow-up colonoscopy if the test comes back abnormal. If cancer treatment is needed, the CSP will help clients enroll in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program.

If you are 45 or older, talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening. If you are uninsured or don’t have a healthcare provider, call the CSP at 1-877-778-6857 for help. 

03 15 23 ACDOH Press Release March 2023 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month