Jodi Regan, Coordinator for the Health Initiative’s Cancer Services Program of St. Lawrence County urges residents to “Go Blue” this March to help raise awareness about colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer, cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, is one of the most common cancers among New Yorkers. It is estimated that one in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. Nearly 10,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in New York State, and over 3,000 men and women die from the disease annually.

However, a large number of New Yorkers are still not aware of their risk and many are not being screened at the recommended times. Colorectal cancer can often be prevented. Regular screening can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

All men and women age 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.

In addition, people with a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, are at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. People at higher risk for colorectal cancer may need earlier or more frequent tests than other people; these individuals should talk to their doctor about when to begin screening and how often they should be tested.

All health insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening, including those that participate in the New York State of Health. Health insurance plans must cover colorectal cancer screening with no patient cost sharing, copayment or coinsurance, regardless of a yearly deductible.

For those who remain uninsured the New York State Department of Health’s Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers colorectal cancer screening to eligible women and men in every county and borough in New York State.

Local CSPs are working with neighboring businesses to kick off Main Streets Go Blue on National Dress in Blue Day, on Friday, March 6, by lighting their main streets blue to promote colorectal cancer awareness and hosting screening events for men and women age 50 and older who do not have health insurance.

To contact the CSP of St. Lawrence County call 261-4760 option 1 or visit http://tinyurl.com/gethealthyslc-CanServeSLC. If you live another New York State county, find a local CSP near at 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/.

More information about colorectal cancer can be found at www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/ and at www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/.