"Embracing Personal Empowerment: Willie Lightfoot Undergoes Colorectal Cancer Screening, Urges Others to Do the Same"

City Councilmember Willie Lightfoot, a pastor and community leader in Monroe County, recently underwent a colonoscopy and had three polyps removed. This screening, performed in September 2021 by gastroenterologist Danielle Marino, M.D., was a crucial step in maintaining his health, especially considering his family history.

Lightfoot's father passed away from stomach cancer, making him eligible for colorectal cancer screening at the age of 45. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends everyone aged 45 and older to get screened for colon cancer.

Fortunately, the polyps removed from Lightfoot were not pre-cancerous, and he now does not need another screening for 10 years, assuming his family history remains the same.

Colon cancer screening is particularly important for Black men in Monroe County, as statistics show a higher mortality rate compared to their white counterparts. In Monroe County, there are 22.5 colorectal cancer deaths per 100,000 Black men compared to 15.9 colorectal cancer deaths per 100,000 for white men.

Marino's team, working with Wilmot's Community Outreach and Engagement Office, is actively working to spread cancer prevention messaging, including information on healthy living and other available cancer screenings. They have hired nurse navigators to help patients with transportation issues when making appointments for colon cancer screenings.

For those without insurance or who are underinsured, assistance is available. The Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes can be contacted at 1-877-803-8070 for help with getting screened.

Individuals can find a primary care doctor using UR Medicine's primary care provider search tool or by asking their insurance provider for a suggestion within network.

Lightfoot, who has counseled many after a cancer diagnosis, is now advocating for colorectal cancer screening in his roles as pastor, barbershop owner, city leader, and community member. He hopes sharing his story will help others get a clean bill of health and empower them to encourage others to do the same.

The organization working with Marino's clinic to help reduce colorectal cancer mortality disparities among Black men in Monroe County is the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). Together, they are sharing factual, potentially life-saving information in communities of color.

For those with a family history of colorectal cancer or health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, it may be necessary to get screened sooner. Regardless of individual circumstances, regular screenings can make a significant difference in early detection and treatment, potentially saving lives.

"Embracing Personal Empowerment: Willie Lightfoot Undergoes Colorectal Cancer Screening, Urges Others to Do the Same"