To the Editor:

Summer is a time to gather with friends and family, to relax and enjoy each other’s company. It more than likely is also a time we will remember those closest to us who have been affected by cancer. Sadly, it seems that no one is spared from being affected by cancer.

Each week in St. Lawrence County, 12 individuals are diagnosed with cancer and 5 individuals will die from cancer.

The annual cancer burden incidence rate in St. Lawrence County has increased 9.8% since 1993-1997, according to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Burden Profile 2010.

Female breast cancer accounts for 11.3% of all cancer cases and 5.4% of all cancer deaths.

Colorectal cancer accounts for 12.2% of all cancer cases and 12.1% of all cancer deaths. In St. Lawrence County, colorectal cancer is among the highest in New York State and we are at 30% above the state rate.

This reflects the lower screening and early detection rates for this cancer. Breast cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths in our county.

The Cancer Services Program of St. Lawrence County wants to remind men, women, family members and friends of the importance of encouraging the men and women in your life to have their annual cancer screenings.

The program offers mammograms and Pap tests to women 40+, and colorectal cancer screenings to men and women 50+, at no cost if you do not have health insurance.

Early screenings and detection can save your life, so please talk to your family and friends this summer and make the commitment to have your screenings.

For more information about the Cancer Services Program of St. Lawrence County, call 386-2325.

Catherine Field, RN, Cancer Services Program, St. Lawrence County