Free colon cancer screening kits

REGION — Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death, according to Carol Ryan, Director of Sullivan County Public Health. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), individuals at risk (men and woman over age 54) and those with increased risk (those with family histories of colorectal cancer or a personal history of polyps), should have an annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

Those who are over 50 may be eligible for free colon cancer screening kits through the Sullivan County Colorectal/Prostate Initiative, funded by the New York State department of Health.

For more information on how to qualify for the kit, call 845/794-3300, ext. 2794.

A positive test can indicate bleeding from a pre-cancerous growth or colorectal. cancer.

NCI also recommends a screening sigmoidoscopy every five years.

NCI also recommends a double-contrast barium enema every five to 10 years, and a colonoscopy every 10 years for those at risk. A double-contrast barium enema permits the entire colon to be viewed by x-ray. A colonoscopy is similar to a sigmoidoscopy but permits an examination of the entire colon. Colonoscopy is also recommended when a screening test is positive.

An individual’s risk for colorectal cancer increases after the age of 40, rises sharply between the ages of 50 and 55 and continues to increase with age. Men are more likely than women, and African Americans are more likely than whites to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

For more information call 845/292-0100 ext. 1.