New York State Department of Health Urges Screening As Colorectal Cancer Now a Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths for Adults Under 50

Regular Screening Beginning at Age 45 Can Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Department Study Indicates Room for Improvement in Screening Rates Statewide

New York State Landmarks to be Lit Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

New Video Highlights a New Yorker's Story of Early Detection Through Screening

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 12, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health is encouraging all adults ages 45 and older to get screened for colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). This call to action comes as new research from the American Cancer Society shows colorectal cancer is now a leading cause of cancer death for people under age 50. At the same time, a Department study indicates there is room for improvement in screening rates. New York State landmarks will be lit blue this evening for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

More than 8,800 New Yorkers are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually and around 2,800 die from the disease every year, according to the New York State Cancer Registry. Regular screening starting at age 45 can prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. When found early, people have an excellent chance of surviving the disease.

"Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in New York, with increasing numbers in younger people," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "I urge everyone ages 45 and older to prioritize scheduling their regular screening, because this type of cancer can be prevented or treated effectively when found early. The Department is working with local organizations to ensure all New Yorkers have the opportunity to be screened."

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in New York State. Approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases occur in people ages 50 and older. While colorectal cancer rates have been decreasing in this age group for decades, rates of colorectal cancer among people under 50 years of age have been increasing by 3.5 percent per year over the past decade.

The deaths of celebrities Chadwick Boseman, who died at age 43 in 2020, and James Van Der Beek, who died at age 48 earlier this year, have brought attention to the growing number of adults under age 50 being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

For most adults, colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45. The New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey conducted by the Department found that in 2024, 73.5 percent of New York adults aged 45 to 75 received a colorectal cancer screening according to guidelines. Screening was reported far less often among adults ages 45-54, highlighting the importance of promoting on-time screening. The new report also found that individuals without health insurance or a regular health care provider less often met recommendations for screening.

Individuals with a higher risk for colorectal cancer, including those with a family history of the disease, a personal history of polyps, or certain hereditary conditions, should talk to their health care provider about being screened before age 45.

Adults of any age, including those under age 45, experiencing symptoms such as blood in their stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss should consult their health care provider immediately. However, there are often no symptoms in the early stages of colorectal cancer making regular screening important.

A variety of screening tests are available, including colonoscopies and at-home stool tests, offering convenient options for all New Yorkers. More information about colorectal cancer screening tests is available here.

To address barriers to screening, New York State's Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic testing for those who are uninsured and underinsured from twenty-one grantees across the state. To find the nearest one, visit the Department's website or call 1-866-442-CANCER (1-866-442-2262).

New York State's Community Outreach to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening Program supports community-based organizations that provide education to promote colorectal cancer screening and support services to address barriers to screening, especially to those disproportionately burdened by cancer.

People in need of treatment for colorectal cancer may be eligible to receive coverage through the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (NYS MCTP).

In an effort to raise the colorectal cancer screening rate to 80 percent statewide, the Department works closely with the NYS Cancer Consortium's Colorectal Cancer Action Team and other partners across New York. The Action Team develops and promotes tools and resources that support health care practices to adopt evidence-based strategies to increase screening rates. To join the NYS Cancer Consortium, visit www.nyscancerconsortium.org/secure/register.cfm

More information about colorectal cancer, including risk factors, is available on the Department's colorectal cancer website here and here, and on the American Cancer Society website.

A new video shares the story of a New Yorker whose life was saved because of regular screening.

Founded in 1901, the New York State Department of Health is commemorating 125 years of dedication to advancing public health and protecting the health and well-being of New Yorkers. In 2010, the Department formed the New York State Colorectal Cancer Control Program, which later became the Health Systems Improvement Program, to work with health systems and other partners in efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening rates. In 2024, the New York State Cancer Services Program celebrated 25 years of providing cancer screening and diagnostic services to adults without health insurance including providing over 150,000 colorectal cancer screenings.

Landmarks that will be illuminated include:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

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