February 25, 2013 – Harris, N.Y. – The Cancer Services Program of Sullivan County, administered by Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), urges everyone to “go blue” for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March. From March 4 through 8, local businesses along Broadway in Monticello will display bright blue lights in a weeklong show of support known as “Broadway Goes Blue.”
The Cancer Services Program, along with BOCES, The Recovery Center, Sullivan County Department of Public Health and other health-related organizations throughout Sullivan County, will participate in the weeklong event by offering free colorectal screening kits, information and giveaways at the Government Center on North Street in Monticello. Additionally, Fidelis Care of New York will be distributing coats, hats and gloves to Sullivan County residents on a first-come, first-serve basis on March 4t, 5 and 6.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers among New Yorkers. It is estimated that one in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
“Each year in New York State, more than 10,000 people develop cancer of the colon, and nearly 3,500 New Yorkers die from this disease,” said Dr. Sheldon Leidner of Sullivan Internal Medicine in Monticello. “Colorectal cancer often can be prevented. Regular screening can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. However, a large number of New Yorkers are still not aware of their risk and many are not being screened at recommended intervals.”
According to the CDC, colorectal cancer occurs most often in people 50 and over and the risk increases with age. All men and women age 50 and older should get screened for colorectal cancer. People with a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, are at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. Those at higher risk for colorectal cancer may need earlier or more frequent tests than others; these individuals should speak with their primary care physician about when to begin screening and how often they should be tested. The Cancer Services Program offers free screening to qualified individuals in Sullivan County who are uninsured, underinsured or who present at high risk for this disease.
To learn more about the “Broadway Goes Blue” Colorectal Cancer Awareness month event, call 845-794-3300 ext. 2186.
A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org.
