Colorectal Cancer is Preventable; TOPS MarketsĀ® Partners with Erie County Cancer Services Program to Promote Screening

Modified: March 5, 2018 12:27pm

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03/05/2018

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PRESS RELEASE

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein

Date: March 5, 2018

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

 Colorectal Cancer is Preventable

TOPS Markets® Partners with Erie County Cancer Services Program to Promote Screening

ERIE COUNTY, NY— March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing awareness of early detection of colorectal cancer through a nationwide campaign. The Erie County Department of Health (“ECDOH”) encourages all residents to have age-appropriate colorectal cancer screening performed as directed by their healthcare providers.  logo

There are several tests available for colorectal cancer, including easy tests done in the privacy of your home. Colonoscopies are the best method to detect colorectal cancer in the early stages before it causes symptoms and is easier to treat. Less involved screening methods, such as the fecal immunochemical test (“FIT”), are effective, non-invasive screening methods that do not require a “clean out” and the specimen can be collected in your home.

This March ECDOH is partnering with TOPS Markets® to promote colorectal cancer awareness. Twelve TOPS Markets® in Erie County will provide the InSure® FIT™ test kit to eligible adults 50 to 75 years old to aid in early colon cancer detection. The InSure® FIT™ test kit provides a convenient sample collection method to use at home, making annual colorectal cancer screening easy. This is a simple, convenient and cost effective screening option that does not require any diet or medication adjustments. The InSure® FIT™ test kit is covered in full by most major health insurance plans and will be provided at no cost to residents without insurance.

For a list of the TOPS Markets® locations distributing kits, visit their website at: www.topsmarkets.com/Departments/Colon_Cancer_Awareness/,

or contact the Erie County Cancer Services Program (“CSP”) at (716) 858-7376.

“Colon cancer screening can significantly lower the risk of advanced colorectal cancer and death,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “Performing a yearly FIT test may be appropriate for you.  If you are 50 or older, talk to your healthcare provider to determine the test that is right for you. Colorectal cancer is largely treatable when detected in the early stages, but it must be found in time. Unfortunately, due to low screening rates, fewer than 40% of cases are caught early.”

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“It is important to know your family history and any personal risks for colorectal cancer,” Burstein added.  “In some cases, the screening can actually prevent the development of colorectal cancer by finding polyps (abnormal growths) which can be removed before they become cancerous. Although this disease can occur at any age, most people who develop colorectal cancer are older than 50 years.  All men and women age 50 years and older should get screened for colorectal cancer.”

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Erie County Cancer Services Program

The Erie County Cancer Services Program is part of the New York State Department of Health’s Cancer Services Program. This program provides screening for colorectal, cervical and breast cancer to eligible uninsured or underinsured individuals with high deductibles in every county in New York State. Contact CSP at (716) 858-7376, or utilize the website, http://www.cspwny.org for more information. The program is funded by grants from the New York State Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.

TOPS Markets®

Tops Markets. LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and currently operates 172 full-service supermarkets along with an additional five supermarkets operated by franchisees under the Tops banner. Currently Tops employs over 16,000 associates. TOPS is a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts.

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For more information

Erie County Department of Health

Erie County Cancer Services Program

TOPS Markets®

New York State Department of Health

Fight Colorectal Cancer

The National Cancer Institute

InSure® FIT™ test kit