New Screening Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer

By Kara Verbanic, Public Health Educator
Onondaga County Health Department Cancer Services Program

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that the US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society are now recommending colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed among adults in the United States.

Colorectal cancer can be prevented with regular screening and the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum. At first, precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms. That is why having a screening test is so important. If symptoms do appear, a person may notice blood in the stool, abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, bloating, or unexplained weight loss.

Are you up to date with your colorectal cancer screening? Talk with your primary care doctor about getting screened. For those age 45 and older who do not have health insurance or have other barriers to accessing screening, the Onondaga County Health Department Cancer Services Program offers free screening tests. Call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify today!

For more information on colorectal cancer and free colorectal screenings for uninsured men and women please visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/ or https://ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html.

Watch Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta’s video message here:

Colorectal Cancer Screening Begins at Age 45: Free Screening Tests Available

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The newest guidance from the US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. The recommended age to begin screening was lowered because colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among individuals younger than 50. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.

Early detection saves lives. It usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. Sometimes polyps will bleed and a person may notice blood in their stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include abdominal pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or unexplained weight loss. But, it is important to remember that colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms at first. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer on a regular basis is important to find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best. Colorectal cancer can be PREVENTED with regular screening and the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum.

All women and men age 45 and older should be screened for colon cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) Kit is an at-home stool testing kit that looks for blood in a person’s stool. A colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to view the inside of the entire colon to find and remove polyps in the colon or rectum. Talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.

Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for men and women age 45 and older who do not have health insurance. Take home fecal tests, such as FIT Kit are an easy and effective way to get screened. If the FIT test comes back abnormal, follow-up with a colonoscopy will be scheduled. Any follow-up procedures, including colonoscopies, will be covered at no out-of-pocket cost. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, CSP staff will assist with the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (MCTP) application process. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website to register for your free screening test.

Remember, if you are over 45 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free colorectal cancer screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Take care of yourself and schedule your appointment today!

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, FREE Screening Tests Available

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it occurs most often in women over the age of 30. Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer can be prevented with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV test) and follow-up. Screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer by finding the cells that lead to cancer. Those cells can then be removed before cancer starts. Screening tests can also find cancer early, when treatment may be most effective.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sexual activity. Usually, HPV will go away on its own, but when it doesn’t, cervical cancer can develop over time. The HPV vaccine can prevent infection from the nine most common types of HPV.  The vaccine is recommended for males and females at age 11 or 12, but can be given between 9 to 26 years of age. Adults between the ages of 27 to 45 who are not adequately vaccinated may benefit from the HPV vaccine. Check with your provider to determine if you should receive the vaccine. If you do not have insurance that covers the vaccine, please call 315-435-2000 for more information on the Onondaga County Immunization Clinic.

There are two tests that can find cervical cancer early. Cervical cancer screening tests are recommended for women between the ages of 21 to 65. Women aged 21-29 should be screened regularly with Pap tests every three years. Women aged 30 and older may be screened with both Pap and HPV testing every five years. Routine screenings are an important step to help find cancer early.

Free Pap and HPV tests are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) for women between the ages of 40 to 64 who do not have health insurance or experience other barriers to completing their screenings along with any necessary follow-up testing. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. “Women without health insurance are less likely to get some preventive care services, like cancer screenings. Our program can help close the cervical screening gap for women without health insurance,” said Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health.

Whether you have health insurance or not, having cervical cancer screening tests is important. Do not delay your screening. Talk to your doctor, and if you are a woman between the ages of 40 to 64 and do NOT have health insurance, call the Cancer Services Program at 315-435-3653 or visit our website to see if you qualify for free cervical cancer screening tests.  Take care of yourself and schedule your test today!

New Documentation Available for COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine

The recent rise in COVID-19 cases across the state and in Onondaga County has caused a delay in the case investigation and contact tracing process. It is crucial to remind those who test positive to immediately isolate and notify their close contacts who may have been exposed.

To alleviate this problem and meet the needs of residents in isolation and quarantine, Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) is now providing self-attestation forms in place of the Commissioner’s Orders that were previously sent by the case investigators and contact tracers. These new forms are legal documentation and may be used for release from isolation or quarantine, and for New York Paid Family Leave COVID-19 claims.

Attestation Forms
Affirmation of Isolation
Affirmation of Quarantine

Know the Difference Between Isolation and Quarantine
Isolation keeps someone who is infected with COVID-19 away from others.
Quarantine keeps someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.

The isolation period is typically ten days from symptom onset OR from the date of the positive test if you are asymptomatic. Some employers may allow fully vaccinated, asymptomatic essential workers to return to work after 5 days if they meet certain criteria.

The quarantine period is typically ten days following the last day of exposure as long as you have remained symptom-free. Quarantine may end after day seven if you test negative five days from exposure.

For more detailed information please visit https://covid19.ongov.net/isolation-quarantine/.

These changes will be addressed at the County Executive’s next press briefing tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 4.

Overdose Spike Alert in Onondaga County

The Onondaga County Health Department reports that fourteen suspected overdoses occurred over a 24-hour period on November 23rd and 24th. Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) data has shown that, while this issue is prevalent throughout the county, recent reports show a concentration in the North and West sides of the City of Syracuse, with sporadic events in the Baldwinsville and Fayetteville areas. Unconfirmed reports link some occurrences to drugs sold in wax bags with a blue crown similar to the Rolex logo stamped on it.

While the substances involved in these overdoses are yet to be confirmed, since the beginning of 2020 approximately 92% of the drug-related fatalities in Onondaga County have been fentanyl-related. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. Powdered fentanyl looks like many other drugs and is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to make pills that resemble other prescription opioids. For this reason, fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may not know they are using a substance that contains an opioid.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta states, “As we go into the holiday weekend, keep watch for any signs of unusual behavior in your loved ones. The holiday season can trigger both bad and good forms of emotions and stress, which can cause increased rates of substance use.”

These behaviors could include:

  • Drastic mood changes, including irritability and defensiveness
  • Loss of interest in things they were once passionate about
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Isolation from family or friends
  • New financial difficulties

You are encouraged to talk with your loved one if you notice any signs of a substance-use disorder. You can find tips from the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration on starting the conversation https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/starting-the-conversation-guide.pdf.

The Onondaga County Health Department continues to warn people that taking illegal drugs is dangerous. Those who choose to use them should take advantage of harm reduction services that can reduce risk of dying from an overdose. Call or text the Onondaga County Health Department at 315-418-5365 for access to free Naloxone and fentanyl test strips, as well as access harm reduction services through the local Drug User Health Hub, ACR Health at (315) 475-2430. For information and linkage to local treatment and/or harm reduction services, please call 2-1-1.

Tobacco Policies Support Smokers Trying to Quit During the Great American Smokeout

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Smoking kills about 28,000 New York residents every year and 750,000 adults in New York State are living with a smoking-related illness. The Tobacco-Free CNY program of the Onondaga County Health Department is joining with community members to celebrate the Great American Smokeout on November 18—a national event that highlights the benefits of quitting smoking and encourages smokers to make a plan to quit.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta states, “Quitting smoking has benefits at any age; even people who have smoked for many years or have smoked heavily will benefit from quitting. Those who quit smoking will have a lower risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quitting smoking is also the best way to protect family members, friends, and other loved ones from the risks associated with breathing secondhand smoke. The Great American Smokeout provides an opportunity for smokers to make a plan to commit to a tobacco-free lifestyle.”

Quitting smoking often takes multiple attempts before a smoker successfully quits. A big challenge for those who are attempting to quit is being exposed to secondhand smoke in a variety of settings such as parks, beaches, entertainment venues, and work sites. Research has shown that smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke have more tobacco-related cravings and are less likely to successfully quit. Policy change has proven to be an effective tool to reduce tobacco use in the community and provide an environment that supports smokers who are trying to quit.

Tobacco-Free CNY Program Coordinator Karyn Johnson states, “About half of current adult smokers want to quit smoking. Many smokers who are trying to quit feel an increase in the urge to smoke if they are exposed to secondhand smoke.” Johnson continued, “Tobacco-free policies assist with the quitting process by providing tobacco-free spaces and eliminating secondhand smoke exposure. This increases the chances for a smoker to successfully quit smoking.”

The Tobacco-Free CNY program supports Central New York residents who want to live healthy, tobacco-free lives. The program encourages municipalities, employers, and property managers to pursue tobacco-free environments and assists community partners in creating, implementing, and strengthening tobacco policies. The program serves Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. For more information about Tobacco-Free CNY, please visit our website at tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280. For help with quitting, please call the New York State Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 or visit nysmokefree.com for more information.

County Executive McMahon Announces Expanded Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Ages 5-11

An additional 240 appointments are now available over four days.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be further expanding four COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5 – 11 in response to community demand. The clinics for children ages 5 – 11 will be held at the Civic Center on November 12th, 15th, 19th, and 22nd from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM by appointment only. Registration can be found here: https://covid19.ongov.net/vaccine/pediatric-vaccine-screening-form/

All residents who are eligible and have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine are urged to make an appointment at one of the many clinics and pharmacies listed on the convenient online Vaccine Finder tool at https://www.vaccines.gov/search/. Parents who wish to have their 5- to 11-year-old vaccinated can also call their child’s primary care provider or their school district for information about vaccine availability for that age group.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and teens, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

County Executive McMahon Announces Expanded Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Ages 5-11

Registration is required

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be expanding four COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5—11 beginning next week. The clinics for children ages 5—11 will be held at the Civic Center on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM for two weeks beginning Monday, November 8th. Appointments are required.

Clinic times have been expanded and additional slots were added to accommodate community demand. Clinic days are 11/8, 11/12, 11/15 and 11/19. Registration is available on the Onondaga County COVID- 19 website at https://covid19.ongov.net/vaccine/pediatric-vaccine-screening-form/

On November 3, the CDC accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children ages 5–11 be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Pfizer vaccine authorized for this group is over 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

All residents who are eligible and have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine are urged to make an appointment at one of the many clinics and pharmacies listed on the convenient online Vaccine Finder tool at https://www.vaccines.gov/search/. Parents who wish to have their 5- to 11-year-old vaccinated should also call their child’s primary care provider or their school district for information about vaccine availability for that age group.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and teens, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

The Village of Baldwinsville Expands Smoke-Free Policy

The Village of Baldwinsville has recently passed an expansion of their smoke-free policy to prevent the use of tobacco, vapes and electronic cigarettes, and cannabis within village-owned outdoor spaces. The new policy includes Mercer Park, McHarrie Park, Diane Reeves Little League, Community Park, Papermill Island, Baldwin Canal Square, and their associated facilities. This policy was created with support from the Tobacco-Free CNY program, which assists municipalities, employers, and property managers who wish to pursue tobacco-free environments for residents to live, learn, work, and play.

Smoke-free outdoor spaces benefit residents by allowing a tobacco-free lifestyle, encouraging tobacco-free norms among children and youth, and reducing tobacco-related litter. Rachael Russell, Public Health Educator for the Tobacco-Free CNY program states, “The Village of Baldwinsville has committed to ensuring the health and wellness of their residents. We commend their decision to take the steps towards becoming a smoke-free community and we hope more communities will implement and update their smoke-free policies.”

In the United States, secondhand smoke claims the lives of 41,000 nonsmokers every year. Secondhand smoke exposure is not only harmful in indoor settings, it can also be damaging in outdoor areas. Studies have shown that outdoor levels of secondhand smoke can reach hazardous levels that are comparable to indoor concentrations where smoking is permitted.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta states, “It is a common myth that outdoor secondhand smoke does not pose any health risks. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure. You can be affected by harmful secondhand smoke up to twenty-five feet away from a burning cigarette – that’s as wide as a two-lane road.”

Secondhand smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke in adults and leads to numerous health problems in infants and children such as asthma, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Public areas such as parks, playgrounds, beaches, and entertainment venues are common outdoor spaces where residents may be exposed to secondhand smoke. In order to protect residents from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure, many municipalities throughout New York State are implementing smoke-free policies for their public outdoor areas.

Tobacco-Free CNY is a program of the Onondaga County Health Department. The program serves Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. For more information on Tobacco-Free CNY, please visit our website at www.tobaccofreecny.org or call (315) 435-3280.

County Executive Ryan McMahon Announces Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Starting November 1

Clinic serves ages 12 and older; offers first, second, third, and booster doses to those eligible.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced that the Onondaga County Health Department will be expanding its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for the week of November 1 to help meet the needs of those in the community who are now eligible for the newly approved booster shot. On October 21, the CDC announced the approval of booster shots for COVID-19 vaccines for individuals age 18 and older who are eligible.

The Health Department COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the week of November 1 will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9-11:30 am and 1-3 pm. The clinic will be offering first, second, third (for immunocompromised individuals), and booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. This clinic serves those ages 12 and up. Register for an appointment today at https://covid19.ongov.net/vaccine/vaccine-screening-form/. A limited number of walk-in appointments will be available, but appointments are strongly encouraged.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “We know that the vaccine is the best tool we have to fight COVID-19. With the expansion of those eligible for the booster shot, Onondaga County will once again step up to ensure that folks can receive their shot. I continue to encourage every eligible individual to get the vaccine or booster shot.” McMahon continued, “Thank you to our team in the Health Department for their efforts to make this happen.”

All residents ages 12 and up who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine are urged to make an appointment at one of the many clinics and pharmacies listed on the convenient online Vaccine Finder tool at https://www.vaccines.gov/search/.