FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 14, 2006

ARE YOU A FABULOUS FIFTY?

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

This year in the United States, an estimated 55,170 people are expected to die from colorectal cancer. The number of new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed this year will very likely exceed 140,000. In most cases, colorectal cancer could be prevented and lives could be saved by regular screening and early treatment.

“Colorectal cancer is one of the more preventable forms of cancer,” said Joshua Lipsman, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. “It develops from non-cancerous polyps that, if discovered through screening, can be removed to prevent cancer from occurring.”

Colorectal cancer develops from non-cancerous growths called polyps that can occur in the lining of the colon and rectum. Screening tests are designed to discover these polyps before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and is the second-leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. In New York State, it claims an average of 2,024 lives each year. African Americans have the highest death rate from colon cancer of any racial and ethnic group.

The risk of colon cancer increases with age. More than 90 percent of cases occur among men and women over the age of 50. Other risk factors include family medical history and the following:

· Smoking

· Alcohol consumption

· Diet high in fat and red meat; low in fruits and vegetables

· Obesity

· Physical inactivity

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The Westchester County Health Department and the American Cancer Society, together with approximately 40 other organizations participating in the Westchester Colorectal Cancer Screening Campaign, will mark National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by sponsoring colorectal awareness forums throughout March. The purpose of these events is to raise public awareness of the life-saving benefits of regular screening.

Events scheduled for March include discussion forums at:

· Scarsdale Women's Club on March 9^th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

· Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains on March 19^th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm (for women only)

· Phelps Memorial Hospital on March 29^th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

“Only 22 percent of Americans follow the American Cancer Society colorectal screening guidelines,” said Dr. Lipsman. “That is far too low. We are asking everyone to help get the word out and encourage their over-fifty friends and family to begin screening.”

The American Cancer Society recommends that a screening regimen begins at age 50 (45 for African Americans) and includes one of the following modalities:

· A fecal blood occult test (FOBT) every year

· A flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years

· A colonoscopy every ten years

Depending on risk factors, earlier and more frequent screening may be recommended. The Westchester County Health Department’s Cancer Services Program offers free cancer screening to uninsured or underinsured residents who qualify. Residents should call (914) 813-5249 for details.

The Westchester Colorectal Cancer Screening Campaign was established in March 2004 as a collaboration between the Westchester County Health Department and the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Since that time, it has grown to include representatives of approximately 40 organizations, including community based organizations, businesses, faith based organizations, health professionals and private individuals. The goal of the Campaign is to raise public awareness of the risks of colorectal cancer and the great benefits of screening.

For more information, please call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com

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