Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced that the H. Lee Dennison Building was illuminated in Blue on Dress in Blue Day, March 3, 2023 in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
“Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial time for us to educate ourselves and our loved ones about the importance of early detection and prevention,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.“Fortunately, Colorectal Cancer is highly treatable when detected early and with the free services offered by Northwell Health’s Cancer Services Program we can continue to help those affected by this disease.”
On March 3, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined Northwell Health’s Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County located at Peconic Bay Medical Center to observe Dress in Blue Day. Dressing in blue brings awareness to Colorectal Cancer and honors all of those who have been impacted by the disease.
According to the New York State Department of Health, Colorectal Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, but there has been improvement. Since 2005, deaths have dropped by nearly 3% per year mainly in those ages 50 and older.
Deaths from Colorectal Cancer have risen in the U.S. by 1.2% each year from 2005 to 2020 in people younger than 50 years of age. In addition, more than 1 in 10 new cases occur in people younger than 50 years of age. Due to this alarming trend, the recommended age to start Colorectal Cancer screening has been lowered from age 50 to age 45. It is important to remember that getting regular screenings can help save lives.
The Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Suffolk County which is located at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead offers free Colorectal Cancer screenings to New Yorkers ages 45 and older without health insurance. Screening is easy, painless, and can even be done at home. The CSP uses a stool-based screening test that is then mailed to a lab. CSP will pay for a follow-up colonoscopy if the test comes back abnormal. If cancer treatment is needed, CSP will help their clients enroll in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program.
Dr. Titilayo Adegboyega, chief of colorectal surgery at Northwell Health’s South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore said: “Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but it is treatable and beatable if caught early. That is why it is essential for people to test early, and for public officials to help raise awareness by encouraging their constituents to schedule screenings. Northwell Health and hospitals throughout the country have invested heavily in research that has greatly improved the way we are able to test and treat colorectal cancer. We have technology that can identify polyps and other abnormalities before any symptoms are present, but these advances can only help if patients schedule screening appointments. We thank Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and the Suffolk County Legislature for their advocacy in helping bring attention to this vital initiative.”
Maureen O’Connor, Director, Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County said: “Screening is the most effective tool we have to treat colorectal cancer. Therefore it needs to be available and accessible to everyone, regardless of income and insurance status. Younger people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an alarming rate. I can’t stress enough the importance of getting tested early and regularly. It could be a matter of life or death. Don’t wait for symptoms, as it could already be too late. We appreciate Suffolk County’s efforts to spread awareness and keep residents safe.”
If you are 45 years or older, it is important to talk to your health care provider about Colorectal Cancer screening. If you are uninsured or you do not have a health care provider, you can contact CSP at 631-548-6320 for help.
