Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in either the colon or the rectum. Research indicates that in the majority of cases, colorectal cancer develops over the course of many years. Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, risk factors include a family history of colorectal cancers, smoking, diet and being overweight.
According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (the “DPH”), colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer related death in both Connecticut men and women. However, studies show that new cases of colorectal cancer have decreased in Connecticut over the past 30 years as a result of increased colorectal cancer screening.
In an effort to further reduce the number of colorectal cancer cases, the DPH has funded a free colorectal cancer screening program that will run through June 29th. Connecticut residents between the ages of 50-64, without health insurance, or with insurance that does not cover colonoscopies are eligible to receive a free colonoscopy.
Colonoscopies are available at Community Health Services in Hartford at 860-808-8703, in Torrington at the Community Health and Wellness Center of Greater Torrington at 860-489-0931, and in Willimantic at the Generations Family Health Center, Inc. at 860-450-7456.
More information on colon cancer can be found at http://www.ct.gov/dph
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