Cancer Services

The Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center’s Breast and Prostate Peer Education Program is an educational program from the NYSDOH. They focus on the education about breast and prostate cancer, in addition to cancer impact in the LGBTQ+ communities. Through education and outreach activities with local organizations and civic groups, their program encourages individuals to speak with their doctors about breast or prostate cancer screening and assists them by addressing any barriers or fears they may encounter.

The program also offers follow-up support for individuals who seek referrals to resources such as primary care doctors, screening facilities, food pantries and health home case management services. The program has educated more than 3,000 men and women about the importance of breast and prostate cancer screening since it began two years ago. Age-appropriate screening has been shown to reduce deaths from both breast and prostate cancer.

The Breast and Prostate Peer Education Program is a free educational service. Presentations are brief and can be tailored to an organization’s needs. For more information, call Project Coordinator Cassandra Jackson at 716-278-4896 (Cassandra.Jackson@nfmmc.org).

Community Presentation

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Niagara Pride, Inc. is happy to announce it partnering with Cancer Services Program – A Program of the NYS Department of Health.  Through this collaboration, CSP will be able to provide information on cancer and its impact in the LGBTQ+ community.  Additionally, in the coming weeks we will be announcing quarterly virtual trainings, where the community can learn more about Cancer Services Program and the incredible services they provide.

Why is the collaboration so important for the LGBTQ+ community of Niagara County and WNY?  The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute estimates that between 5% and 10% of the general population identifies as LGBTQ+.  The American Cancer Society estimates there will be little over 1.9 million newly diagnosed cancer cases and nearly 609,360 deaths from cancer in 2022.  Using these estimates, there could be approximately 143,900 new cancer cases and more than 45,702 cancer deaths among LGBTQ+ individuals.

Additionally, research shows that there are increased cancer risks in the LGBTQ+ community.  Research studies confirm that the LGBTQ+ community carries a disproportionate burden of cancer, has distinctive risk factors, and faces additional barriers to accessing health care.  Gay and bisexual men have a higher risk for anal cancer, especially those who are HIV+.  Lesbian and bisexual women may be at increased risk for breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer.  Some studies suggest that tobacco and alcohol use are up to 1.5 times higher in the LGBTQ+ population, likely creating higher risks for tobacco- and alcohol-related conditions, including certain cancers.

What is the Cancer Services Program?  
The Cancer Services Program (CSP) provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services at NO COST to people who:
* Live in New York State
* Do not have health insurance
* Have health insurance with a cost share that may prevent a person from obtaining screening and/or diagnostic services
* Meet income eligibility requirements
* Meet age requirements

What cancer screening services does the CSP offer?

• Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram and Clinical Breast Exam)
  • Women ages 40 and older (some programs serve women ages 50 and older only)
  • Women under age 40 at high risk for breast cancer*
• Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Test, high-risk HPV test and Pelvic Exam)
  • Women ages 40 and older
• Colorectal Cancer Screening (Fecal Occult Blood Test/Fecal Immunochemical Test Kit)
  • People ages 45 and older at average risk for colorectal cancer
• Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy)
  • People at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer*

*Only as determined by a New York State-licensed health care provider per program guidelines.

Where are these screening services provided?

Services are provided in local clinics, health centers, doctors’ offices and hospitals in every county and borough in New York State by health care providers who participate in the CSP.

Why should I be screened for cancer?

Early cancer detection saves lives! Screening tests can prevent cervical and colorectal cancers by finding abnormal cells before they become cancer so that they can be removed. Screening tests for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers also find these cancers early, when treatment is most successful.

What if they find something or I need treatment after the screening?

• If the screening test finds something abnormal, diagnostic (testing) services are available through the CSP for eligible people at no cost. The CSP will also provide a case manager who will guide you through your follow-up diagnostic appointment.
• If breast, cervical or colorectal cancer is found, those eligible may be able to enroll in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program to receive full Medicaid coverage for the entire time they are being treated for cancer.
• Men diagnosed with prostate cancer by a CSP health care provider may be able to enroll in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program (the CSP does not pay for prostate cancer screening or diagnostic services).

Who do I call to be connected to a CSP program in my area?

To find the CSP nearest you for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening, diagnostic services and referral to treatment and support, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262). The call is free and operators take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect you to a Cancer Services Program near you. Hablamos español. They also have translation services for other languages.

Or, visit our Community Programs List to find your local CSP by county or borough and call directly.

What if I have health insurance?

Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and the plans that participate in the New York State of Health, cover breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings at no cost to the patient

To learn more about the New York State of Health and Medicaid, visit these websites:

• New York State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace
• New York State Medicaid

For more information contact: 1-866-442-CANCER (2262)