Colorectal Cancer
Translations
Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum are part of the body's digestive system. The colon (large intestine) and rectum (the last 7-8 inches of the intestines) absorb water and eliminate waste products from digestion. To learn more about the colon and rectum – where they are and how they work, visit Colorectal Cancer (CDC.gov).
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in New York State and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among all people. Each year, almost 4,600 males and over 4,200 females are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 1,400 males and at least 1,300 females in New York State die from this disease. It is estimated that one in 25 people will develop colorectal cancer sometime in their life.
Current guidelines recommend that people aged 45 or older get screened for colorectal cancer. There are several different tests that screen for colorectal cancer, including stool-based tests that can be done from the comfort of your home.
With regular testing (also called screening), colorectal cancer can be stopped before it starts or found early when it is easier to treat.
Everyone should talk to their health care provider about their risk for colorectal cancer and at what age to begin regular testing.
Health Equity
People of all racial and ethnic groups get colorectal cancer. Risk of colorectal cancer increases with age and varies across racial groups. Individuals who are non-Hispanic and those who are Black are both more likely to have colorectal cancer diagnosed and to die from the disease. Eliminating disparities starts with ensuring that all New Yorkers can access screening services.
New York State has made efforts to help people get screened for colorectal cancer:
- New York State oversees a statewide Cancer Services Program (CSP) to provide free colorectal cancer screening and follow-up tests, if needed, to people without health insurance and who qualify. The CSP can also help people connect to other local services to meet their needs. Call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) to find your local CSP or visit the Cancer Community Programs List to search by county or region.
- New York State oversees a Community Outreach to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening program to conduct community outreach and provide education, linkage to community services, and referral to health care providers for colorectal cancer screening. Visit the Cancer Community Programs List to see if there is a program near you.
- Colorectal cancer screening is covered at no cost to the patient by nearly all health plans, including those that participate in the New York State of Health and New York's Medicaid program. Health plan coverage may vary. Check with your insurance plan to find out what benefits are covered for colorectal cancer screening.
