Oswego County Program Offers Free Cancer Screenings

Cancer Services Program provides free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings for eligible uninsured New Yorkers.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of the North Country, administered by Oswego County Opportunities Inc., is offering free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings for eligible uninsured New Yorkers aged 40 and older. The program is part of a statewide effort to prevent cancer or catch it at an early stage when it's easier to treat.

Why it matters

Cancer is a leading cause of death, but many cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and early detection. The CSP program aims to make cancer screenings accessible to those who lack health insurance, helping to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

The details

The CSP of the North Country provides free screenings for eligible, uninsured New Yorkers aged 40 and older. These screenings can detect precancerous cells and remove them before cancer develops, or find cancer at an early, more treatable stage. The program is part of a statewide initiative led by the New York State Department of Health to prevent and detect cancer.

  • February is National Cancer Prevention Month.
  • The CSP of the North Country provides free screenings year-round for eligible individuals.

The players

Carolyn Handville

Coordinator of the CSP of the North Country at Oswego County Opportunities Inc.

Oswego County Opportunities Inc.

A nonprofit organization that administers the CSP of the North Country, providing free cancer screenings to eligible uninsured New Yorkers.

New York State Department of Health

The state agency leading statewide efforts to prevent and detect cancer through initiatives like the Cancer Services Program.

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What they’re saying

“Talk to your doctor about what screenings you need now, and which are due in the future. Screenings are covered by most insurance plans at no cost to you. If you don't have insurance or a health care provider, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of North Country may be able to help.”

— Carolyn Handville, Coordinator, CSP of the North Country (syracuse.com)

What’s next

Individuals interested in the free cancer screenings offered through the CSP of the North Country can call (315) 592-0830 to see if they qualify.

The takeaway

The Cancer Services Program provides a valuable resource for uninsured New Yorkers to access important cancer screenings at no cost, helping to improve early detection and prevention of this deadly disease.