Download Colon Cancer Screening Kits Available For Under and Uninsured

7785 North State Street Lowville New York 13367
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 20, 2017
Contact: Christina Flint, Community Relations
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (315) 376-5001
Colon Cancer Screening Kits Available For Under and Uninsured
Lowville, New York – Colorectal cancer - cancer that begins in the colon or rectum- is one of the most common cancers
among Lewis County residents. Of these individuals diagnosed twice as many males in Lewis County died from this
cancer (NYS Department of Health, Cancer Data for NYS Counties).
All men and women age 50 and older should be 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 family history or personal
history of colon polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) or colon cancer, or a personal history of inflammatory
bowel disease, are at greater 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.
Lewis County Public Health Cancer Services Program and Lewis County General Hospital (LCGH) are hosting a Colon
Cancer Awareness Month event on March 3, 2017 in the Hospital Lobby. The event is being held in conjunction with
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
"We will offer free colon cancer screening kits for individuals who are uninsured and/or under-insured and meet
screening guidelines on March 3rd from 10:00am to 3:00pm, " stated Robert Pfeiffer, LCGH Wellness Chair and
Radiology Department Director. "The Hospital will also offer screening kits March 6-10 in the LCGH Laboratory on the
main campus and our outlying clinics which include: Beaver River, Copenhagen, Harrisville, and South Lewis Health
Centers. We hope this will offer individuals who are under or uninsured additional time to pick up their screening kit."
“Most people can avoid colon cancer by following screening guidelines,” said Kathy Sochia, Lewis County Public Health
Cancer Services Program Coordinator. “Unlike many other cancers, most colon cancer has a long precancerous phase as
growths or polyps, which often exist for several years before becoming cancerous.”
Each year in New York State, over 3,100 individuals die from this disease. However, most people are still not aware of
their risk and many are not being screened at recommended intervals. Regular screening can find precancerous polyps
so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
“Colorectal cancer is sometimes described as the ‘silent” disease, because it doesn’t cause symptoms in its early
stages,” stated Mr. Pfeiffer. “That is why following screening guidelines for catching this disease in its early stages,
before it is established is important.” It is estimated that one in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer in their
lifetime.
Be sure to stop by on March 3, 2017 to find out more about colon cancer and screening. If you are uninsured or
underinsured, please call Lewis County Cancer Services Program at 376-5453 to find out if you are eligible for a free
screening kit. To schedule your colonoscopy, call Lewis County Surgical Associates at 376-5163. It could save your life.
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