If someone told you that doing two things could add years on to your life, would you do them? Well each of us can take two actions that reduce our risk of developing and dying from the most common types of cancer. One, make efforts to reduce harmful everyday habits that increase your risk of certain cancers (things like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, being at a healthy weight, exercising, eating right, etc.) Two, follow the guidelines for recommended cancer screenings. The way I see it, cancer screenings are the equivalent of working smarter, not harder. Early detection through screening reduces the likelihood you will die from cancers of the breast, cervix, colon and rectum (colorectal), prostate, and lung. Some screenings can even prevent cancers by finding and treating precancerous cells or lesions. A screening early, can save stress, money, and time later – and time can mean years added on to your life. This month, we are talking to Colleen Jackson, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Cancer Services Program of Northeastern NY about cancers screenings, what you need, when you need them, and how we can break down barriers to make sure everyone can access the care they need, when they need it.
Colleen, lets ease into it with an easy one, what screenings do we need and when?
- Cervical Cancer
- Screenings vary by age.
- Age 21-29: Pap test alone every 3 years
- Age 30-65: (one of the following)
- Pap test alone every 3 years
- Pap test and HPV test every 5 years or
- HPV test alone every 5 years.
- Breast Cancer
- Screening should begin at age 40 and continue through the age of 74.
- Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat.
- Colon Cancer
- Screening should begin at age 45 and continue to 75 for both men and women.
- Some people should be screened earlier than age 45; these include those with:
- Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Chron’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Hereditary conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch Syndrome.
Many of us got behind on our routine medical care during the pandemic and just haven’t gotten back on track – there is only so much time in the day! What sort of barriers do you see in our community for accessing these screenings?
Being told to only go to doctor or hospital for emergencies to
then suddenly being told the world is safe again, many people (including myself)
needed to play catch up. We lead such busy lives that sometimes it is hard
trying to find the time for our own health. But, if we don’t have our health,
we won’t have anything!
When it comes to cancer and cancer screenings, one of the
biggest barriers comes down to fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of certain
screenings, fear of what you might find. In regards to colorectal (or colon)
cancer, something I hear a lot in the community is the fear surrounding the
screening itself. When we think of colon screenings, the first thing that comes
to mind is colonoscopy. Today there are other, less invasive, tests that screen
for cancer, which is pretty amazing.
So people delay colon cancer screenings to avoid the dreaded colonoscopy? But you are saying that isn’t the only tool we have?
I love this question because I am happy to report that there
are options when it comes to colon cancer screenings. Of course, this is not to
say that you won’t be getting a colonoscopy; that is a discussion to be had
with your provider. But, for people without current symptoms, no personal history
of polyps/colon cancer and no first degree relative (mother, father, brother,
sister and children) with a history of colon cancer or polyps, other options
are available.
The Cancer Services Program of Northeastern NY offers
another screening. It’s called the FIT Kit (Fecal Immunochemical Test). Fit
Kits are incredibly user friendly and are great because you take them in the
privacy of your own bathroom. Following the step-by-step instructions included
in the kit, you collect your sample, pack it away properly as the instructions
state, place the kit into the provided envelope (which is already stamped and
addressed), and drop it in your nearest mailbox. Then it gets delivered to the
lab. From there our CSP Case Manager will get the results and get them to you.
You mentioned fear of things a few times. So when it comes down to it, a fear of the unknown of what might be found is keeping us from the doctor’s office?
Speaking from my own personal experience of taking care of
myself, I too have fallen victim to pushing off appointments, tests, and screenings
because I was afraid. Fear of the unknown was right at the top. I didn’t want
to know the answer at times but ultimately this was holding me back. A lot of
us are nervous or worried to get our health matters taken care of. But when we
do, we often find that getting our results or getting the opportunity to
discuss our concerns with our doctor lifts a burden we have been carrying. What
I’ve learned in becoming my own advocate (and not letting fear get the best of
me) is that there are some serious rewards that come along with that. Often
what we think will be the worst situation turns out to be not as bad as we
could’ve imagined. This is not to say that every result or doctor’s appointment
will reveal great news, but taking the steps to catch something in its earliest
stage is the best way to take care of the issues.
When you work through this process with the Cancer Services
Program of Northeastern NY, we are there to help every step of the way. If we
don’t know the exact answer, that doesn’t stop the search. There are so many
useful programs available out there and if we can’t help, we can assist in
networking a program that can!
Can you tell us more about your program and how it works for our residents?
The Cancer Services Program of Northeastern NY (or CSP of
Northeastern NY) provides free colon, breast, and cervical screenings to
individuals in Clinton, Essex and Franklin County who are uninsured or underinsured.
The only requirements are that you are the age for and due for the screening. All
testing is FREE! This includes any follow up (diagnostic) testing that you
may need after a screening exam. We also have MCTP (Medicaid Cancer Treatment
Program) for individuals diagnosed with cancer, through our program. The best
way to contact CSP is via phone, (518)324-7161. Our data manager will do a
quick intake over the phone and can help you set up your appointments. You can
also find us on Facebook.
Following us on social media is a really great way to keep up to date with current
events we are holding, as well as education about cancers and the screenings
associated with them. As the Community Outreach Coordinator, I am always
looking for places to educate people, in group or one-on-one settings, focusing
on the uninsured. If you know of anyone who is uninsured, or a place that we
should reach out to for an education event, please contact me at 518-534-6205.
Top 3 things to remember.
- Colorectal and cervical cancer can be prevented with on-time screenings.
- Mammograms can help find breast cancer early when it may be easier to treat.
- The Cancer Services Program is here to help! Contacts us at 518-324-7161.
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