March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month | Health

March is national Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Fidelis Care’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjiv Shah is reminding Capital Region residents of the importance of colorectal cancer screenings.

According to a statement, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men and women. It is also the second deadliest.

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get screened for the cancer beginning at the age of 50, but studies show that 30 percent of adults in New York State do not follow this advice.

Anyone who is uninsured may be eligible for coverage under Fidelis Care’s Family Health Plus, Medicaid Managed Care, Medicare Advantage or Dual Advantage programs.

By detecting colorectal cancer in its earliest stage, the five year survival rate can go up to 90 percent. Click here for more information.