If you’re aged 50 or older and haven’t been screened for colorectal cancer, now is the time! Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. but 1 in 3 adults aged 50 to 75 years old are not getting tested for colorectal cancer as recommended. Screening can find polyps early so they can be removed before turning into cancer.

There are often no symptoms during the early stages of colorectal cancer, making routine colorectal screening extremely important. Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for men and women aged 50 to 75 years old using high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer can be prevented through the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum.

A person’s chances of developing colorectal cancer can be increased by certain factors such as having:

• a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps,
• a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease,
• had polyps or colorectal cancer in the past.

If you are without health insurance or have other barriers to accessing colorectal cancer screenings, the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) may be able to help. Free colorectal cancer screening is available for men and women aged 50 to 64 years who do not have health insurance and qualify for the program. Call the CSP at 315-435-3653 or visit our website at www.ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to register online. Screening and early detection saves lives. Don’t delay…schedule your colorectal cancer screening test today!