MARCH IS COLORECTAL AWARENESS MONTH AT NUMC
Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP Michael B. Mirotznik, Esq.,
President/CEO Chairman Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2015
PRESS CONTACT:
516-572-6055
MARCH IS COLORECTAL AWARENESS MONTH AT NUMC
East Meadow, NY………..Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP, NuHealth/NUMC President/CEO urges everyone to “Go Blue” for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March. Towns across New York are raising awareness about this preventable cancer by turning their Main Streets Blue and hosting colorectal cancer screening events throughout March.
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. “Each year in New York State, nearly 10,000 people develop colorectal cancer, and more than 3,000 New Yorkers die from this disease,” says Dr. Politi. “However, a large number of New Yorkers are still not aware of their risk and many are not being screened at recommended intervals. Colorectal cancer often can be prevented. Regular screening can find precancerous polyps 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 (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) 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,” added Dr. Politi.
All health insurance plans, including those participating in the New York State of Health cover colorectal cancer screening with no patient cost sharing, copayment or coinsurance, regardless of a yearly deductible.
For those who are uninsured, the New York State Department of Health’s Cancer Services Programs offer colorectal cancer screening to eligible women and men in every county and borough of New York State. For an appointment at the Nassau University Medical Center, please call 516-572-3300. Cancer Services Programs around the state are working with local businesses to kick off the Main Streets Go Blue campaign on National Dress in Blue Day, Friday March 6th, by lighting their main streets blue to promote colorectal cancer awareness and hosting screening events for men and women 50 and older who do not have health insurance.
To find a local CSP near you call at 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or visit www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/screening/. More information about colorectal cancer can be found at the Department’s website www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/ or at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/.
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