Contact: Beth Cefalu, Director of Strategic Communications (845) 638-5645
NEW CITY, NY, – This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Rockland County Department of Healthreminds residents that the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for people at average risk. Recent American Cancer Society research stresses the need to teach middle-aged adults about warning signs and encourage screening. Testing can help find colorectal cancer earlier, when it is easier to treat.
“We weren’t expecting colorectal cancer to rise to this level so quickly, but now it is clear that this can no longer be called an old person’s disease. People 45-49 years make up 50% of diagnoses under 50,” stated Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, Senior Vice President, Surveillance, Prevention, and Health Services Research at the American Cancer Society.
Colorectal cancer is cancer in the colon or rectum. It usually starts as small growths, called polyps, in the lining of these organs. Polyps and colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms at first, as it can take many years for a polyp to turn into cancer. Screening can find and remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Several tests can check for colorectal cancer: a blood test, a fecal occult test kit to examine stool, or a colonoscopy that looks at the lining of your colon.
“Screening saves lives! Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you. The most important thing is to get screened,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.
You may need to get screened earlier if you:
- Have a family history of colon cancer or polyps;
- Had polyps in the past;
- Have health problems like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or type 2 diabetes;
- Are overweight, smoke, drink a lot of alcohol, or eat a lot of red or processed meat.
For information on free screenings through the New York State Cancer Services Program for qualified individuals, call Good Samaritan Hospital at (845) 368-5816 or Montefiore Nyack Hospital at (845) 348-8511.
Montefiore Nyack Hospital will be hosting a free colorectal cancer screening event on Friday, March 27, 2026. This event is for people who do not have health insurance or have limited health insurance. For other cancer screening events, check the Montefiore Nyack Hospital calendar.
For more information about colorectal cancer, visit the New York State Department of Health. You can also learn more by calling the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or visiting https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html.