Madison County Health Department
(Wampsville, NY – April 2014) Did you know that about one in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime? And did you know that colorectal cancer often can be prevented?
Regular screening can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they become cancer; however, since many people are still not aware of their risk, many do not get screened when they should. Don’t let this happen to you.
All men and women ages 50 and older should get screened for colorectal cancer. Although this disease can occur at any age, most people who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50. People with a personal or family history of colon polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) colon cancer or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer.
These people may need earlier or more frequent tests than other people and should talk to their doctors about when to begin screening and how often they should be tested.
Screening for colorectal cancer is a covered benefit through Medicaid as well as health plans participating in the New York State of Health, meaning that people with health insurance through these plans can be screened for colorectal cancer without co-payments.
Oneida County Health Department also provides the state Department of Health’s Cancer Services Program for Oneida-Herkimer-Madison counties. Men and women who are 50 years of age and older and who are uninsured are eligible to receive free, easy-to-use colorectal cancer home screening kits.
If the home test is positive, the program will cover the cost of diagnostic services and possibly assist with treatment costs, should they be necessary. When found early, colorectal cancer is easier to treat, before it spreads to other parts of the body.
To learn if you are eligible for this program or to get more information, call the Oneida County Health Department’s Cancer Services Program at 315.798.5248.