Learn How Timely Screening Saves Lives, and Get Connected to Free and Affordable Screenings
The Westchester County Department of Health is raising awareness that colorectal cancer is increasing among younger adults. Westchester County has established a County-wide Colorectal Cancer Coalition, and through collaborations with doctors, hospitals and health systems, the Health Department is encouraging residents to talk with their doctors and families about risks so they can protect themselves.
Members of the Colorectal Cancer Coalition are educating patients about their options and connecting those who are eligible for colorectal cancer screenings with affordable choices. Screening starts at age 45 for most, but if a parent or sibling was diagnosed with polyps or colorectal cancer, screening should begin at 40 or even earlier.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “Screening can save your life, and that’s why it is so important for parents and their adult children to speak openly about their own screening history. Take-home kits can be useful for initial screening, but a colonoscopy is the only screening test that can both find and remove precancerous polyps. This prevents and detects cancer so it can be treated early.”
Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women under 50. Each year, more young men and women in their 30s and 40s are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. African-Americans, people of Hispanic heritage and individuals of Eastern European Jewish descent have a disproportionate risk of colorectal cancer, and should consider screening earlier. Other risk factors include a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or a personal history of polyps, which are small clumps of cells that adhere to the colon, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Type 2 diabetes and inherited genetic conditions.
Regional Chief of Colon & Rectal Surgery and Co-Director of the Northwell Early-Onset Cancer Program for Northwell Health Westchester Dr. Parul J. Shukla said: “Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. Timely screening saves lives, yet too many people delay because of fear, lack of awareness, or access. This March, we want everyone to know that screening is simple, effective and more accessible than ever. Taking that first step can truly be life-saving.”
Residents can reduce their cancer risks through lifestyle changes and regular timely screening. More than half of all colorectal cancers are linked to physical inactivity, poor nutrition, excess body weight, and tobacco and alcohol use. Some tips include maintaining a healthy weight, exercise and eating more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Avoid tobacco and limit or avoid red and processed meats, sugary drinks, refined grains and alcohol.
Medical Oncologist and Physician-Scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Dr. Benoit Rousseau said: “When it comes to screening, colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it doesn’t just detect cancer — it can prevent it. That said, the most important screening test is the one you’re willing to complete. What matters most is getting screened. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we’re also seeing a troubling rise in early-onset colorectal cancer, with more younger people being diagnosed than ever before. If your bowel habits have changed — whether that’s new constipation or diarrhea, narrower stools, blood in the stool, or feeling like you’re not fully emptying — please don’t ignore it. Screening isn’t something to fear; it’s something that protects you. Pay attention to your body and advocate for yourself to get checked.”
Some screening tests can be done at home, are low-cost and require no prep or sedation, but must be performed every one to three years and may require a follow-up colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can be performed every 10 years for those with no risk factors, but requires preparation and sedation in a medical office or health center.
Residents who are uninsured or underinsured can call the Cancer Services Program of the Hudson Valley at 914-488-6400 for information and referral to free cancer screenings (colorectal, breast and cervical), as well as diagnostic testing at health centers throughout the County.
The following events are planned to mark Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month:
- Friday, March 20, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Phelps Hospital, 701 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, Auditorium. Third Annual Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Symposium for health care providers and the public to learn the often overlooked warning signs of cancer in younger adults. Free to Northwell employees or $25 to others who wish to receive CME/IPCE credit. To register: The Third Annual Early Onset Cancer Symposium Tickets, Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 7:30 AM | Eventbrite
- Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., New Rochelle Boys & Girls Club, 79 Seventh Street, New Rochelle. Nurses and patient navigators from Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital and Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital will provide information about colorectal cancer screening options, schedule appointments and more. For more information, call the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at 718-920-7183 or 347-671-8208.
For more health tips and cancer resources, go to www.WestchesterCountyNY.gov/health. The Westchester County Health Department can be reached at (914) 813-5000.
