ONONDAGA COUNTY, MARCH 2, 2026 – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among both men and women in the United States, and more than 52,000 people die from the disease each year. National and New York State data indicate that 9 out of 10 new colorectal cancer cases occur in adults aged 45 and older. However, recent data published in the Journal of the American Medical Association show that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among people under age 50 in the United States. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend that routine colorectal cancer screening begin at age 45. Individuals at higher risk may need to start screening before age 45.
All adults aged 45 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. Screening options include the fecal immunochemical test, or FIT kit, which is a stool test that can be completed at home or as part of a physical exam at a medical provider’s office and checks for blood in the stool. A colonoscopy allows a doctor to examine the entire colon and rectum to identify and remove polyps. Additional screening methods are also available. Individuals should speak with their healthcare provider to determine which test is most appropriate and how often screening should occur.
Early detection saves lives. Colorectal cancer often begins as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum that can develop into cancer over time. Some polyps may bleed, causing blood to appear in the stool. Other possible symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, persistent changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. However, colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Regular screening is essential to detect the disease early, when treatment is most effective. Colorectal cancer can be prevented through routine screening and removal of precancerous polyps in the colon and rectum.
Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program. The program offers free screening for individuals aged 45 and older who do not have health insurance or who face other barriers to completing recommended screenings. Take-home fecal tests, such as FIT kits, provide a simple and effective screening option. If a FIT test result is abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy will be scheduled at no cost to the patient. Any necessary follow-up procedures, including colonoscopies, are fully covered. If an individual is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, program staff will assist with the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program application process. Services are available at multiple healthcare provider locations throughout the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.
If you are over 45 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 or visit onondaga.gov/health/cancer-screening/ 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!