BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — There are options for people that want to get free colon, breast and cervical cancer screenings here in Erie County. Erie County doesn't have their own clinic to do the screenings, but they help people set up appointments with more than 50 screening locations across Western New York.
Erie County Cancer Services Program offers free cancer screenings for uninsured people.
"Screening means having a test when you don't have any symptoms," Michelle Wysocki, Cancer Screening Program Director said.
The program offers help for insured people with a high deductibles. The program will cover people's deductible-- for some cancer screenings, that could cost you thousands of dollars.
Wysocki recommends people talk to their doctor about when to get screened as everyone has different family histories and circumstances.
ECCSP people to get screened:
Colon Cancer: Men & women ages 50+
Cervical Cancer: Pap tests for those 40-60 years old
Breast: 40-64 year-olds but recommends women checking themselves for lumps daily
"At the early stages there's more treatment options, and often a better outcome," Wysocki said. "In some cases like colon cancer and cervical cancer screening, you can actually identify something that you can eliminate the chance of cancer all together."
Erie County Cancer Services even offers take home colon tests for people to get checked once a year.
Wysocki says in the last five years, more people are following through with colon cancer screenings.
People can call Erie County Cancer Services or visit their website here to see if they are eligible.
