Suffolk County Executive Bellone Announces H. Lee Dennison Building Illuminated Blue at “Dress in Blue Day”

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced that the H. Lee Dennison Building was lit up in blue on March 3, 2023 on Dress in Blue Day in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

“Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial time for us to educate ourselves and our loved ones about the importance of early detection and prevention.” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said.“Fortunately, colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early, and with the free services offered by Northwell Health Cancer Services, we can continue to help those who suffer from this disease.”

On March 3, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joined Suffolk County’s Northwell Health Cancer Services, located at Peconic Bay Medical Center, to host the “Dress Blue Day” campaign. Clothing in blue draws attention to colorectal cancer and honors all those affected by the disease.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the New York State Department of Health, but the situation has improved. Since 2005, mortality has declined by almost 3% per year, mostly among those aged 50 and over.

Deaths from colorectal cancer increased in the US by 1.2% annually from 2005 to 2020 among people under 50 years of age. In addition, more than 1 in 10 new cases occur in people under 50 years of age. Because of this worrying trend, the recommended age for screening for colorectal cancer has been lowered from 50 to 45. It is important to remember that regular screenings can help save lives.

The Suffolk County Cancer Services Program (CSP), located at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, offers free colorectal cancer screening to New Yorkers aged 45 and older without health insurance. Screening is simple, painless and can even be done at home. CSP uses a stool-based screening test, which is then mailed to a laboratory. CSP will pay for a repeat colonoscopy if the test result is abnormal. If cancer treatment is needed, CSP will help its clients enroll in the Medicaid cancer treatment program.

Dr. Titilayo Adegboyega, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at South Shore Northwell Health University Hospital in Bay Shore, said:: “Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but it can be cured and defeated if caught early. That’s why it’s important that people get tested as early as possible, and that government officials help raise awareness by encouraging their constituents to schedule screenings. Northwell Health and hospitals across the country have invested heavily in research that has greatly improved our ability to test and treat colorectal cancer. We have technology that can detect polyps and other abnormalities before any symptoms appear, but these advances can only help if patients schedule screening visits. We thank Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and the Suffolk County Legislature for their support and help in drawing attention to this vital initiative.”

Maureen O’Connor, director of the Suffolk County Cancer Services Program, said:: “Screening is the most effective tool we have for treating colorectal cancer. Therefore, it should be accessible and accessible to everyone, regardless of income and insurance status. Young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an alarming rate. I cannot stress enough the importance of early and regular testing. It can be a matter of life or death. Don’t wait for symptoms as it may be too late. We appreciate Suffolk County’s efforts to spread awareness and keep residents safe.”

If you’re 45 or older, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening. If you are uninsured or do not have a health care provider, you can contact CSP for help at 631-548-6320.