FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
MARCH 9, 2023
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
[YATES COUNTY, NY] – Each year during March, Yates County Public Health recognizes Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month as a time to promote the importance of cancer screening and encourage people to talk with their healthcare team about their risk. If you are 45-75 years old, you should be getting screened regularly. Screening saves lives.
“Cancers as a group are the leading cause of death in Yates County,” says Dr. Doug Sinclair, Yates County Public Health Director. “The risk of colorectal cancer rises as we get older. On average, there are about 10 people diagnosed and 4 deaths per year in the county. Screening starting at age 45 in both men and women, earlier screening for people with a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and continued screening based on initial findings can help detect the disease early. Early detection decreases the chance of severe disease and death. Talk to your doctor about cancer screening at your next visit. If you do not have insurance, contact the Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes at 1-877-803-8070.”
Colorectal cancer screening can find precancerous polyps, or abnormal growths, in the colon or rectum that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Routine screening helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment works best. Healthy lifestyle choices may reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer by increasing physical activity, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco. Overall, routine cancer screening is the most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
Talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer screening, it could save your life. For more information on Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month or for questions on how to get screened, call our office at 315-536-5160 or visit our website at www.yatescountypublichealth.org.
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Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes
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