Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Health Department is urging residents aged 45 and older to prioritize their health by getting screened for colorectal cancer. Recent studies indicate an alarming increase in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults, underscoring the importance of early detection and preventive screenings.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, emphasized the significance of regular screenings: “We urge everyone 45 years and older to get screened and encourage their loved ones to do the same. If detected early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable, and regular screenings are the most effective way to find precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers.”

The Health Department has partnered with community organizations, hospitals, and health systems to promote the life-saving potential of early detection through screening. Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon or rectum, ranks as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States but remains one of the most preventable cancers with timely screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends starting regular screenings at age 45 due to rising incidence rates in younger populations.

Jessie End underwent a routine screening shortly before her 45th birthday because of a family history of colon cancer. She shared her experience: “That colonoscopy saved my life. Both my uncle and my grandmother died from colon cancer, so until a few weeks ago, in my mind, that diagnosis was a death sentence. Because of early screening, I now get to rewrite that narrative to one where anyone, including me, can survive and thrive.”

Parul J. Shukla, MD, Regional Chief of Colon & Rectal Surgery & Professor of Surgery for Westchester at Northwell Health said: “We understand that discussing cancer screenings can be uncomfortable, but these conversations are essential for our health and well-being. By spreading the word and encouraging screenings, we can help reduce the impact of colorectal cancer on our community.” Shukla also noted that while colonoscopies remain the gold standard for detecting these cancers and precancerous growths, take-home screening tools are available and new technologies using blood draws as a screening tool are being developed.

Gary Giangola, MD, Surgeon in Chief for Northwell Health’s Northern Region stated: “As a native New Yorker and surgeon I have committed my career to caring for people throughout the five boroughs and surrounding metropolitan area. Improving the health of each person helps to raise the health of the entire community. Northwell is committed to excellence. We are all about improving the quality of life for people and the communities we serve.”

Last year saw continued collaboration between Westchester County Health Department with organizations such as Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT at Gilda's Club, American Cancer Society, and Cancer Support Team to educate residents on cancer prevention and early detection through presentations in English and Spanish.

Debbie Vincent from Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT at Gilda’s Club remarked: “We are pleased to team up to offer cancer prevention and screening education to the community... Being aware of cancer risks when to get screenings... saves lives.”

Uninsured or underinsured residents can contact Hudson Valley's Cancer Services Program at 914-488-6400 for information on free screenings (colorectal breast cervical) diagnostic testing at county health centers.

For more details visit www.westchestergov.com/health or call Northwell about colon cancer screenings in Westchester at (914) 269-1856.

Amler concluded: “Please join me in spreading the word... Together we can save lives.”