ONONDAGA COUNTY, JUNE 1, 2026 – June is National Men’s Health Awareness Month—a perfect time to shine a light on a critical health issue: colorectal cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, men are expected to account for approximately 55,410 new colon cancer cases and 28,750 rectal cancer cases in 2026, totaling around 84,160 new diagnoses—making colorectal cancer the third most common cancer among men in the U.S. It’s also the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, with colorectal cancer projected to cause about 55,230 deaths nationwide this year.
Recent data from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among people under the age of 50 in the United States. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. People at higher risk may need to begin screening before age 45.
All people 45 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) kit is a stool testing kit performed at home or as part of a physical exam at your medical provider’s office 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. Other testing methods are available; talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.
Early detection saves lives. Colorectal cancer 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, bloating, or changes in bowel movement habits that don’t go away, or unexplained weight loss. It is important to remember that colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stages. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer regularly is important to detect colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. Colorectal cancer can be prevented with regular screening and the removal of precancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum.
Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for individuals aged 45 and older who do not have health insurance, or who experience other barriers to completing their screenings. Take-home fecal tests, such as FIT kits, are an easy and effective way to get screened. If the FIT test comes back abnormal, a follow-up with colonoscopy will be scheduled. Any follow-up procedures, including colonoscopies, will be covered at no cost to the patient. 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 at onondaga.gov/health/cancer-screening/ 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 call today!