If you’re age 50 or older and haven’t been screened for colorectal cancer, now is your time! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults ages 50-75 years are not getting tested for colorectal cancer as recommended.  Screening can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Celebrate Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by scheduling your colorectal cancer screening test today!

Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force for men and women ages 50-75 years old using high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.  Colorectal cancer is one of the only cancers that can be prevented through the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum. There are often no symptoms during the early stages of colorectal cancer, making routine colorectal screening extremely important.

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 waiting to be screened because you are without health insurance, the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) may be able to help. Free colorectal cancer screening is available for men and women aged 50-64 years who do not have health insurance. Call the CSP at 435-3653 to see if you qualify or visit our website at /health/cancerscreening.html to register online. Screening and early detection saves lives so call to see if you qualify for a free colorectal screening today!