White Plains Hospital Joins Forces with the American Cancer Society to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates

As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, White Plains Hospital announced that it has pledged to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates in Westchester County by supporting the 80% by 2018 initiative, led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (an organization co-founded by ACS and CDC).

Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths; however, it is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented. Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.

“Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem, and adults age 50 and older should be regularly screened for it, but we have found that many people aren’t getting tested because they don’t believe they are at risk, don’t understand that there are testing options or don’t think they can afford it,” said Connie Bordenga, MD, MS, Health Systems Manager for the American Cancer Society. “The truth is that the vast majority of cases of colorectal cancer occur in people age 50 and older. Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms, so everyone 50 and older should get tested. There are several screening options – even take home options – available. Plus, many public and private insurance plans cover colorectal cancer screening and there may be local resources available to help those that are uninsured.”

Dr. Charles Noyer, Director of the Division of Gastroenterology at White Plains Hospital, emphasized how crucial annual screenings are, “When polyps are detected and removed through regular colonoscopy screening, a future diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be completely avoided in most individuals.”

“We are pleased to join the cause to improve colorectal cancer screening rates,” said Susan Fox, President and C.E.O. of White Plains Hospital, which was the first hospital in Westchester to sign the pledge. “We are asking all members of our community to join White Plains Hospital by getting screened and talking to your friends and family who are over 50 years of age about getting screened.”

While colorectal cancer incidence rates have dropped 30 percent in the U.S. over the last 10 years among adults 50 and older, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S, despite being highly preventable, detectable and treatable. In fact, in 2015 in the U.S., 132,700 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed.

Your primary care physician can provide a prescription for the screening, a gastroenterologist is the physician who performs the colonoscopy. To find a physician associated with White Plains Hospital - call 914-681-1010 or visit wphospital.org and click on the Find a Physician link.