NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER URGES NASSAU RESIDENTS TO BE SCREENED FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SINCE SCREENING TESTS SAVE LIVES
March 11, 2008
Contact:
Shelley Lotenberg
(516) 572-6055
shelley@numc.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER URGES NASSAU RESIDENTS TO BE SCREENED FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SINCE SCREENING TESTS SAVE LIVES
NUMC AWARDED GRANT TO OFFER FREE SCREENINGS FOR UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS 50 AND OVER
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
East Meadow, New York…..Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the Nassau Health Care Corporation announced that the Nassau University Medical Center had obtained a grant from the New York State Department of Health to offer free screenings for colorectal cancer, for those uninsured individuals who are 50 and over. “March is recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and we are urging all Long Islanders over age 50 to be screened for colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of colon cancer cases occur in people age 50 and older. Colorectal cancer does not discriminate. It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in this country, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nassau County. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 150 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each week in Nassau, and 53 men and women die from the disease each week,” stated Mr. Gianelli”.
Colorectal cancer is the term used for cancers that start in the colon or the rectum. A polyp is a non-cancerous growth of tissue or tumor that grows before cancer develops. A polyp grows on the lining of the colon or rectum and may change into cancer. When these are found early, they can be removed before they turn into cancer and colorectal cancer can be prevented.
“Screening tests save lives. People who have polyps or colorectal cancer are often without symptoms, and feel well,” said Dr. Mustacchia, Director of Gastroenterology at NUMC. “Screening tests like a “do at home” stool test or a colonoscopy can find polyps or colorectal cancer early. The earlier a cancer is found, the greater the chance of being cured. If your medical provider does not offer you a screening test, ask for one as soon as possible, it could save your life!!!”
“Individuals with colorectal cancer or polyps in any parent, sibling, or child before age 60, or anyone with a personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis), and certain inherited diseases are at greater risk,” added Dr. Mustacchia.
For those uninsured individuals that are 50 and over, the NYS Department of Health awarded Nassau University Medical Center with a grant to offer free screenings. To request a take-home test or to find out if you qualify for a free colonoscopy, call Gloria Sierra, M.P.A. at 516-572-4441. If you qualify, she will mail the test to you or schedule you for a free colonoscopy!
The first 100 people to return their take home test AND recruit a Male (men are less likely to be screened) who completes the test as well, will receive a $15 gift card to Wal-Mart, Target, or Home Depot. Call now! After the first 100 tests are received back, free take home test will continue to be mailed to all who qualify!