New York State Department of Health Recognizes Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March

Colorectal Cancer is One of the Most Common Cancers and One of the Leading Causes of Cancer Deaths for Adults in New York

Colorectal Cancer Can Be Prevented With Screening

Department Provides Awards to Twelve Local Community Organizations to Address Health Disparities

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 28, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health is encouraging all adults age 45 and older to get screened for colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Almost 3,000 New Yorkers die from the disease every year, according to the New York State Cancer Registry. Regular screening can improve survival rates by detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

"Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in New York, but this type of cancer can be treated effectively when found early," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Regular screenings that can detect polyps before they become cancerous are critical to preventing cancer. The Department is working with local organizations to ensure all New Yorkers have the opportunity to be screened."

While most colorectal cancer cases occur in people ages 50 and older, people at any age can get it. Rates of colorectal cancer are increasing in people under age 50. A new report by the American Cancer Society highlights that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in males younger than age 50 and the second leading cause of death in females younger than age 50.

For most adults, colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45. A Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Surveyconducted by the Department found that in 2022, only 69 percent of New York adults aged 45 to 75 received a colorectal cancer screening as advised. Screening was much less likely to be reported by those newly eligible (45 – 49 years of age), individuals who are Hispanic, who have lower household incomes, and those without health insurance or a regular health care provider.

To address these health disparities, the Department awarded 12 new competitively selected organizations a 54-month contract beginning March 1, 2024. These Community Outreach to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening awardees are local-level community organizations that will conduct outreach and education to promote colorectal cancer screening and link people to screening locations and support services to address barriers to screening. The new awardees will target their activities to individuals who are disproportionately burdened by cancer, including those who are Black, Hispanic/Latino, LGBTQ+, and/or reside in rural areas.

There are different options for colorectal cancer screening and no one test is recommended over another. How often to be screened depends on which test is used. The screening options for colorectal cancer include:

  • Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), FIT-DNA or a High Sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) are stool tests done at home with a test kit you get from your health care provider. For these tests, you collect a sample of your bowel movement and return the kit to your health care provider or a lab where they will check it for blood. These tests must be done every year (FIT and FOBT) or every three years (FIT-DNA).
  • Colonoscopy is done in a medical office. The health care provider uses a long, thin flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the entire colon and rectum. During the test, the health care provider can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. To prepare for this test you will need to clean out your colon by following directions from your doctor. This test is done once every 10 years or more frequently (usually every 3 years or 5 years) for those with a family history or history of polyps.
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is done in a medical office. The health care provider will check the rectum and lower part of the colon for polyps and cancer using a thin, flexible, lighted tube. This test is done once every five years, or every 10 years with an annual FIT.
  • CT Colonography, also called a virtual colonoscopy, uses X-rays and computers to produce images of the entire colon, which are displayed on a computer screen for the doctor to analyze. This test is performed once every five years.

Anyone at high risk for colorectal cancer should talk to their health care provider about being screened before age 45. This includes anyone with a family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, those with a hereditary condition such as Lynch Syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis and adults with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. Adults of any age with symptoms of colorectal cancer should talk to their healthcare provider right away. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:

  • Blood in or on stool after bowel movements.
  • Aches, pains, or cramps in the stomach that do not go away.
  • Change in bowel movement habits, either constipation or diarrhea.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

Other factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer include:

  • Increasing age.
  • Obesity.
  • An inactive lifestyle.
  • Diets high in red and processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and luncheon meat, and low in vegetables and fruit may be at a higher risk.
  • Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol consumption may increase the risk.

The Department manages the statewide Cancer Services Program (CSP). Twenty-one grantees across the state offer free colorectal cancer testing and diagnostic services for those who are uninsured and underinsured. The CSPs also offer referrals for treatment and support. Every county in the State, as well all New York City boroughs, have a CSP. To find the nearest one, visit here or call 1-866-442-CANCER (1-866-442-2262).

People in need of treatment for colorectal cancer may be eligible to receive coverage through the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (NYS MCTP). Eligibility details are available here on the NYS MCTP website.

In an effort to raise the colorectal cancer screening rate to 80% statewide, the Department works closely with the NYS Cancer Consortium's Colorectal Cancer Action Team and other partners across New York.

More information about colorectal cancer, including cancer screening, is available on the Department's colorectal cancer websites here and here, and on the American Cancer Society website.