Younger People are Dying from Colorectal Cancer

New research from the American Cancer Society shows that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in people under age 50 in the United States. Three out of four people under age 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer are found to have cancer at a late stage, when it is harder to treat.

Katlyn Newberry

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Cancer Services Program (CSP) of the Finger Lakes Region wants people to know that this trend can be changed. Getting screened on time, beginning at age 45, and continuing to get screened as your doctor recommends, is key to saving lives. Screening can prevent colorectal cancer by finding growths, or polyps, that lead to cancer and removing them before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also find colorectal cancer early when treatment may work best.

In New York State, adults 45 to 54 years old are less likely to get screened than older adults. Only 56.9% of people in this age group are screened. This is much lower than people ages 55 to 64 (78.8%) and those age 65 and older (83.2%).

If you are between 45 to 54 years old, you may be caring for both elderly parents and children. This makes it hard to focus on your own health. Taking care of yourself helps you stay healthy for the people who depend on you. Don’t wait. Get screened.

If you are 45 or older and do not have health insurance or a regular doctor, call the Cancer Services Program at 585-224-3070. The CSP offers free colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care to New Yorkers who qualify. For a limited time, those who complete an at-home colorectal cancer screening through the CSP will receive a $25 grocery gift card!

Katlyn Newberry is Community Outreach Coordinator for CSP of the Finger Lakes Region

(Supported with funds from the State of New York)