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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Early detection is one of the most important strategies in the battle against cancer. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Putnam County Department of Health would like to remind you that screening tests are particularly important for detecting colorectal cancer. There are often no apparent symptoms for colorectal cancer until it has spread and become life-threatening.
Many people are not tested for colorectal cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. In many cases, a test can find polyps which can be removed before they ever develop into cancer. Nearly 90% of all colorectal cancer cases could be prevented through regular screening tests.
The Putnam County Department of Health recommends that everyone aged 50 and older should talk to their health care provider about a test for colorectal cancer. Those individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, who have other high risk conditions, may even need to begin testing at an earlier age. Colorectal cancer is more common than many people realize. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the nation and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation. It is estimated that one in 18 people will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
In New York State, more than 10,000 people develop cancer of the colon and rectum each year, and more than 4,000 New Yorkers die from this disease each year.
Some people are at greater risk than others of developing colorectal cancer. Although colorectal cancer can strike younger adults, more than nine in 10 new cases are in people aged 50 or older. You may also be at higher risk if your parent, sibling or child had colorectal cancer. People with a history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease are also more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
There are ways to help protect against developing colorectal cancer. There is some evidence that animal fat may increase a person's risk. Eating five or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily can help reduce fat, increase dietary fiber and protect against colorectal and other cancer. Some studies show that participating in regular physical activity may reduce the risk of getting cancer of the colon and rectum. The New York State Department of Health recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week, to protect against cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include bleeding from the rectum, blood in the stool, change in bowel habits, decreased appetite, weakness and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms you should tell your health care provider.
The New York State Department of Health supports 30 community-based partnerships to provide colorectal cancer screening and colorectal and prostate cancer education for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Through the Putnam County Department of Health, the State supports the Putnam County Healthy Living Partnership Program which provides free cancer screenings for those who qualify. The Putnam County Healthy Living Partnership will be at the following sites in Putnam County now through the end of March handing out free colorectal cancer screening kits:
-Thursday, March 6 from 4- 6pm at Rite Aid, 180 Route 52, Carmel
-Wednesday, March 12 from 6pm- 8:30pm at Mahopac Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac
-Thursday, March 13 from 5pm- 7pm at World Gym, 1620 Route 22, Brewster Towne Centre
-Monday, March 17 from 10am- 1pm at Putnam Valley Pharmacy, 11 Peekskill Hollow Rd, Putnam Valley
-Wednesday, March 19 from 10am -1pm at Value Village, 1620 Route 22, Brewster
-Wednesday, March 26 from 4- 6pm at Patterson Library, 1167 Route 311, Patterson
-Saturday, March 29 from 9:30am - 12pm at Carmel Fitness & Racquet Club, 111 Old Route 6, Carmel For more information, please visit www.health.state.ny.us.
To receive a free colorectal cancer screening kit, please call the Putnam County Department of Health at (845) 278-6558 ext. 2174.
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