To the editor:

Preventing cancer or finding it early is a priority in New York state because cancer is the second leading cause of death. Cancer screening can save lives. Screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer can find cancer early when treatment works best. Screening for cervical and colorectal cancer can also find cancer before it starts.

If you have health insurance in New York, then chances are you are covered to receive cancer screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. The Cancer Services Program of Northeastern New York hopes you take advantage of this coverage and get screened for these cancers, as recommended by your doctor.

If a day comes when you are not insured, or that day is now, the CSP can help. The CSP offers free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening to eligible New Yorkers with low incomes and who are uninsured or underinsured. There is a CSP in every county and borough of the state supported by the state Department of Health.

The CSP of Northeastern NY is asking for your help to spread the word about these life-saving services. How? Encourage friends, family, employees or coworkers who do not have health insurance to call us at 518-324-7671. Are you part of a community-based organization? We’d like to partner with you to bring our services to your community. You can also like, follow and share information from our Facebook page @CancerServices Program of Northeastern NY. A healthy community is a thriving community.

Colleen Jackson

Community Outreach Coordinator

Cancer Services Program of Northeastern NY