This March, the Erie County Cancer Services Program (CSP) is partnering with Tops Friendly Markets (Tops) to provide free FIT kits for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

"We are excited to collaborate with Tops once again to distribute FIT kits at 13 of their locations to eligible adults," said Cancer Services Program Director Michelle Wysocki. "This partnership allows us to raise awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening, address common misconceptions, and show how easy and private the process can be."

The FIT Kit is a simple, non-invasive test that allows average-risk adults ages 45-74 years to screen for colorectal cancer at home. After collecting a sample, you mail it to a lab using a prepaid envelope. Eligible customers can pick up a kit at participating Tops Pharmacies on select dates in March. Watch this video about how to use a FIT Kit.

"We want to make colorectal cancer screening accessible and convenient for everyone," Wysocki said. "Our program ensures that eligible Erie County residents can get screened, regardless of their insurance coverage, because early detection saves lives."

The Erie County Cancer Services Program also provides free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services for uninsured or underinsured adults in Erie County. Additional diagnostic tests, if needed, may also be covered through a New York State program. For more information, visit www.erie.gov/cancerservicesor call (716) 858-7376.

March 2026 Tops Locations, Dates, and Times:

ALDEN

12775 Broadway • 3/3/26 • 4-7pm

AMHERST

9660 Transit • 3/5/26 • 4-7pm

3980 Maple • 3/21/26 • 9am-1pm

BUFFALO

1460 South Park • 3/9/26 • 4-7pm

2101 Elmwood • 3/12/26 • 4-7pm

1275 Jefferson • 3/19/26 • 4-7pm

CHEEKTOWAGA

3865 Union • 3/11/26 • 4-7pm

700 Thruway Plaza Dr. • 3/25/26 • 4-7pm

DERBY

6914 Erie • 3/4/26 • 4-7pm

HAMBURG

6150 South Park • 3/10/26 • 4-7pm

SPRINGVILLE

184 S. Cascade Drive • 3/5/26 •4-7pm

WEST SENECA

800 Harlem • 3/12/26 • 4-7pm

355 Orchard Park Rd• 3/16/26 • 4-7pm

Schedule updates at cspwny.org.

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Erie County Department of Health, Cancer Services Program: (716) 858-7376 or http://www.erie.gov/cancerservices

New York State Department of Health, Colorectal Cancer: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/

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