People Without Health Insurance Can Get Colorectal Cancer Screening

New York State data shows that people without health insurance are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer. This holds true for people without a health care provider as well. Getting screened regularly, starting at age 45, is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer or find it early when it may be easier to treat.

The Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Bronx, offers free colorectal cancer screening to uninsured people living in Bronx County and can connect those in need with a health care provider. The CSP uses an easy, stool-based screening test, called FIT. The test is done at home and mailed to a lab. If the test result is not normal, the CSP will pay for a follow-up colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can find growths that may become cancerous and remove them before they do. If cancer treatment is needed, the CSP will help clients get enrolled in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program.

Colorectal cancer screening saves thousands of lives every year. Colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms so getting screened is critical to finding it early. If you need help getting this important cancer screening, call us at 917-900-7634 to find out if you qualify. Please also note that The Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Bronx County also provides services for breast and cervical cancer screenings for ages 40 and over. 

The Cancer Services Program of Bronx County is a grant-funded program by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They offer free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening, diagnostic testing, and referral to treatment to eligible uninsured and underinsured people.

The CSP of Bronx County covers the entire borough. We focus our efforts on reaching individuals who lack access to services and who bear a dispro­portionate burden of cancer to improve cancer outcomes and reduce health disparities. We partner with community-based organizations and faith-based organizations to conduct evidence-based community outreach activities and al­so establish agreements with healthcare providers to provide access to cancer screening and diagnos­tic services throughout their service regions.