In recognition of Father's Day and National Men's Health Week (June 15 through 21), the Cayuga County Healthy Men and Women Partnership is conducting a colorectal cancer prevention campaign for uninsured and underinsured men. The goal is to increase early detection of this disease.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States today. Adults at average risk can prevent the disease by obtaining routine testing annually. A painless, easy- to- use test called the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) is available to detect bleeding that may be caused by polyps (growths) in the colon or rectum. The FIT takes very little time and is done privately at home. Polyps detected early can be surgically removed before they become cancerous.

Colorectal cancer has no symptoms in its early stages. Finding it early through annual testing is therefore the key to reducing deaths from this disease. When the cancer is found in an advanced stage, the prospects of successful treatment and survival beyond five years are greatly reduced.

Uninsured and underinsured men are encouraged to contact the Partnership at 253-1455 to get a free FIT kit and information about colorectal cancer prevention. To be eligible, men must also be aged 50 or older and due for colorectal cancer testing. Participants will be mailed an FIT test, which they will complete at home and mail back to Cayuga County Health Department. Test results will then be shared with each participant and his doctor. Participants will receive a gift card for $10 of gas if they return the test within a two-week period.

The Cayuga County Healthy Men and Women Partnership (HMWP) Program provide Cayuga County women ages 40+ and men ages 50+ with breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancer screenings and education for uninsured or underinsured individuals. For more information about the program, visit the Cayuga County Health Department Web site at http://co.cayuga.ny.us/hhs/doh/index.htm or call 253-1455 to see if you are eligible.

Elane Daly is director of health and human services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us