Vianiliz Rivera, Coordinator, CSP of Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, and Niagara *Supported with funds from the State of New York
As March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Services Program of Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, and Niagara would like to make sure everyone knows the facts about this disease. Here are some common beliefs that are just not true:
- Colorectal cancer is a disease of old age. This is false. It is true that most cases are found in people over the age of 50, but there has been a steady increase in colorectal cancer among people ages 20 to 49.
- All people who get colorectal cancer have a family history of the disease. This is false. While family history is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, family history accounts for only about 5 to 10 percent of cases. Eating a diet high in red and processed meats, smoking, and drinking alcohol are some other risks for colorectal cancer. These are risk factors you can change to lower your risk.
- Colorectal cancer is not preventable. This is false! Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Regular screening can find the growths that lead to cancer. These growths can then be removed. This prevents cancer! There are often no symptoms of colorectal cancer until the cancer has spread. That’s why getting screened on a regular basis is so important. It can help prevent colorectal cancer — or catch it early when it is easiest to treat.
If you are age 45 or older, talk to your health care provider about getting screened.
If you do not have health insurance, the Cancer Services Program is ready to help. We offer free colorectal cancer screening to uninsured people ages 45 and older. Now that you know the truth about colorectal cancer, don’t wait. Call us today at 716-278-4898.
