MEDIA RELEASE

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

Date February 24, 2016

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

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

Erie County Supports “Go Blue” Initiative for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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 the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer through a nationwide campaign. The Erie County Department of Health (“ECDOH”) supports these efforts and encourages residents to have age-appropriate colorectal cancer screenings performed as directed by their healthcare providers.

There is more than one test for finding colorectal cancer, including easy tests done in the privacy of your home.  “Colonoscopies are the best method to detect colorectal cancer early, before it causes symptoms and when it is easier to treat. A colonoscopy can significantly lower the risk of advanced colorectal cancer and death,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “Also, performing a yearly fecal immunochemical test (“FIT”) is an effective screening method. If you are 50 or older, talk to your doctor and get the test that is right for you. . Colorectal cancer is largely treatable when detected in the early stages, but sadly, due to low screening rates, fewer than 40% of cases are caught early.”

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

ECDOH’s  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. The ECDOH Cancer Services Program can determine an individual’s eligibility for services, assist with scheduling screening examinations, and provide information at no cost. Contact the Cancer Services Program at (716) 858-7376, or utilize the Cancer Services Program website, www.cspwny.org for more information.

Here are some facts about colon cancer:

• Colon Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States among men and women combined.
• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in New York State; each year more than 10,000 New Yorkers develop colorectal cancer and 3,500 residents will die as a result.
• About 1 in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
• It affects people of all racial and ethnic groups.
• It touches more than 132,000 Americans annually and claims nearly 50,000 lives.
• Colon Cancer is most often found among people 50 years or older, but can occur at any age.
• Colon Cancer is one of the most detectable and treatable forms of cancer, and more than 90 percent of all cases can be prevented with recommended screening.
• Everyone 50 years and older, and those with symptoms or a family history, should be screened regularly for colon cancer.

Help us raise awareness by wearing blue on National Dress in Blue Day, Friday, March 4th.  The Peace Bridge, Canalside and various buildings in the downtown Buffalo area with be illuminated in blue to bring attention to lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings.

To encourage more residents to screen for colorectal cancer, during March ECDOH will again partner with TOPS Markets® to promote colorectal cancer awareness. Select TOPS Markets® in Erie County will be offering the InSure® FIT™ test kit to eligible adults 50 to 75 years old to aid in early detection of colon cancer.  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: http://www.topsmarkets.com/Departments/Colon_Cancer_Awareness/ or contact the Cancer Services Program at (716) 858-7376.

Erie County Cancer Services Program

Erie County Cancer Service Program provides quality breast and cervical testing for women and colon cancer screening for men and women who are uninsured or underinsured. 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 operates full-service supermarkets in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont. Its stores offer frozen, meat, seafood, deli and carryout, bakery, dairy, florist, and pharmacy products, as well as fresh produce. The company also operates playhouses for children in its stores; and gas stations. In addition, it provides franchise opportunities. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Williamsville, New York.

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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

The American Cancer Society

The National Cancer Institute

InSure® FIT™ test kit

Store Schedule for Distribution of InSure® FIT™ test kits