PRESS RELEASE

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

Date: MARCH 8, 2019 

CONTACT: Daniel Meyer

Email: Daniel.Meyer@erie.gov 

Phone: (716) 858-2890

COLORECTAL CANCER IS PREVENTABLE; TOPS MARKETS PARTNERS WITH ERIE COUNTY CANCER SERVICES PROGRAM TO PROMOTE SCREENING 

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to help increase awareness of the importance of early detection of colorectal cancer through a nationwide campaign 

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

“Colonoscopies remain the best proven 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. “In addition, performing a yearly fecal immunochemical test (“FIT”) is an effective screening method. If you are 50 or older, talk to your healthcare provider 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 percent of reported cases are caught early.” 

 “It is very important to know your family history and if any personal risks for colorectal cancer exist,” Burstein added. “When colorectal cancer is found and treated early, it can often be cured.  In some cases a screening can prevent colorectal cancer by finding polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. Although this disease can occur at any age, most people who develop colorectal cancer are at least 50 years old.  All men and women age 50 and older should get screened for colorectal cancer.”

Click Here for a list of locations, dates and times for the Tops Markets Colon Cancer Awareness events scheduled at 13 different Tops locations throughout Erie County. 

Facts about colorectal cancer:

• Colon cancer is preventable.
• Colon cancer is one of the most detectable and treatable forms of cancer.
• More than 90 percent of all cases can be prevented with recommended screening.
• Colon cancer touches more than 132,000 Americans annually and claims nearly 50,000 lives.
• Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. among men and women combined.
• Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in New York State.
• More than 10,000 New Yorkers develop colorectal cancer each year.
• An estimated 3,500 New York State residents die annually from colon cancer.
• About 1 in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
• Colon cancer affects people of all racial and ethnic groups.
• Colon cancer is most often found among people 50 years or older, but it can occur at any age. 

For more information: 

Call (716) 961-6800 or visit www.erie.gov/health 

Visit www.erie.gov/health

Visit www.erie.gov/cancerservices

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