The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (August 23, 2015) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that New York State is expanding its efforts to prevent colorectal cancer, the state’s second leading cause of cancer death. Over five years, $8 million in federal grants will go toward new screening initiatives that will be administered by the New York State Department of Health. Each year, nearly 10,000 New Yorkers develop colorectal cancer and more than 3,000 die as a result, however with regular screenings, many of these diagnoses and deaths can be prevented.

"Early detection is the key to successfully fighting this form of cancer and this funding will go a long way toward educating New Yorkers on the benefits of early screening," Governor Cuomo said. "I thank our federal partners for helping secure this funding and helping make this a stronger, healthier New York."
Colorectal cancer screenings look for small growths or ‘polyps’ that could turn into cancer. Most colon cancers start from these small growths, but if found through screening they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Early stage colorectal cancer may not always cause symptoms, making regular screenings the key to early detection.

This 5-year grant, awarded from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will support the expansion of screening efforts by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Chronic Disease Control in traditionally underserved and high need areas in the North Country, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester and New York City. The first component provides $732,400 per year to support work with Federally Qualified Health Centers and Medicaid Managed Care Plans for evidence-based interventions that promote regular colorectal cancer screenings. This includes providing feedback to providers about patients eligible for, but not up to date with screening, sending patient reminders and implementing strategies to reduce barriers like transportation assistance and paid time off for cancer screening. Specific organizations slated for funding are yet to be determined.

The second component provides $915,500 per year to target eligible uninsured and underinsured residents between the ages of 50 and 64 years in the Bronx, an area identified as having an elevated level of late-stage colorectal cancer cases. In addition to providing funding for the screening tests, this grant will support patient navigators at three key New York City Health and Hospital Corporation health facilities, all serving the uninsured in the Bronx: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, North Central Bronx Hospital and Jacobi Medical Center. The use of patient navigators has been shown to be a highly effective strategy for removing barriers and facilitating screening completion.

Both components support the objectives outlined in the New York State Prevention Agenda 2013-2017 and the New York State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, as well as the Department of Health’s work to achieve an 80 percent colorectal cancer screening rate by 2018. Funding levels for both components beyond the first year are contingent upon the availability of federal funding.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include having blood in the stool, stomach pain with changes in bowel movements, or losing weight unexpectedly. New Yorkers with any of those symptoms should speak to their physician immediately.

All New Yorkers age 50 and older should get screened for colorectal cancer. Those with a personal or family history of colon polyps, colon cancer, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease are at a higher risk. These individuals should talk to their doctors about when to begin screening and how often they should be tested. If colorectal cancer is found early, treatment can be very effective. In addition to regular screenings, all New Yorkers, regardless of age, can reduce their risk for colorectal cancer by quitting smoking or never starting, maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol use and increasing their physical activity.

Individuals who have insurance, including Medicaid and insurance through health plans participating in the NY State of Health, can obtain colorectal cancer screening by talking to their physician.

For individuals without insurance, DOH’s Cancer Services Program offers colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screening to eligible individuals in every county in the state. To find a local Cancer Services Program near you, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/community_resources/ or call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262).