CANCER SCREENING CAN LOWER DEATH RATE

Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP                                                          George J. Tsunis, Esq.,

President/CEO                                                                                           Chairman Board of Directors         

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2, 2018

PRESS CONTACT:

Irene Voss

ikoundou@numc.edu

516-572-6055

CANCER SCREENING CAN LOWER DEATH RATE

6 out of 10 Colorectal Cancer Deaths Could Be Prevented

East Meadow, NY…. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Nassau University Medical Center is urging everyone to talk to their doctor about screening and testing options for colorectal cancer (also called colon cancer). With recommended screening, the number of people who die from colorectal cancer could be reduced by at least 60%,

When colorectal cancer is found and treated early, it can often be cured. In some cases, screening can actually prevent the development of colorectal cancer by finding polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they become cancerous. Yet colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in New York State. Each year, more than 10,000 New Yorkers develop colorectal cancer and more than 3,500 die as a result.

“Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, especially at first, which is why regular screening is needed to catch the disease in its earliest stages,” says Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP, NuHealth/NUMC’s President/CEO. “We want people to know there is more than one screening test for colorectal cancer and screening is easier than ever.  The important thing to remember is to talk to your doctor, decide which screening test is right for you, and get screened.  For anyone without a doctor or without insurance, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Nassau County can help.”

All men and women age 50 and older should get screened for colorectal cancer. Although this disease can occur at any age, most people who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50. Anyone with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum), colorectal cancer, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, is at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. These individuals should talk to their doctors about when to begin screening and how often they should be tested.

The CSP of Nassau County is part of the New York State Department of Health’s Cancer Services Program, which offers colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screening to eligible uninsured individuals in every county in the state. To find a local Cancer Services Program near you, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/community_resources/ or call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or call NUMC at 516-572-3300.

For individuals insured through Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial health plans, including those participating in the New York State of Health, colorectal cancer screening is covered with no cost to the patient.

To learn more about screening options, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/screening.htm

ABOUT NUHEALTH
NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life.  Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community.  By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.

For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.