According to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the number of New Yorkers getting colon cancer screenings is higher than ever. The department’s 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) suggests an overall increase in screening among New Yorkers ages 50-75, but much lower rates for those aged 50-54 and those without health insurance or a healthcare provider.
Each year, about 1,100 adults in New York die from colon cancer and more than 3,500 New Yorkers are newly diagnosed.
Where to get free cancer screenings?
Screening for colorectal cancer is paid for by most health plans, including Medicaid and health plans participating in NY State of Health, New York’s official health plan marketplace.
The NYSDOH Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free screening to eligible uninsured men and women in every county and borough in New York. To find a CSP near you, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or visit this site.
Who should get free cancer screenings?
In 2021, national recommendations for when to start screening changed from age 50 to 45 for people at average risk for colorectal cancer. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends continuing until age 75.
Certain individuals at a high risk of colorectal cancer should have screenings more often. We recommend starting before age 50. The following conditions make your risk higher than average:
- A personal history of rectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
- A known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC).
If you or someone you know needs help accessing vital resources for cancer care then please consider reaching out to NYSDOH CSP today. Alternatively, you can walk into any Nao Medical urgent care clinics and let one of our providers know that you want a cancer screening.
