Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer Screening Action Kit

Colorectal cancer causes more cancer deaths among nonsmokers than any other form of cancer. In New York City almost 1,500 people die each year from this largely preventable cancer. The best way to test for—and prevent—colon cancer is colonoscopy. People 50 years of age and older and people aged 40 and older with a family history of colon cancer need to get a colonoscopy.

Colon cancer can be prevented. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends that primary care physicians:

1. Refer patients age 50 and older for a colonoscopy every 10 years. If a colonoscopy is not possible, a high-sensitivity FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test) is recommended.

2. Use a direct referral process for appropriate patients, so they can go right to the colonoscopy procedure, rather than a preliminary GI consult.

The Colon Cancer Screening Action Kit is an integral component of the Colon Cancer Screening Campaign to decrease colon cancer deaths in New York City. It includes information, patient education materials and tools for providers. Materials in the Action Kit include:

Information for Providers

• City Health Information: Preventing Colon Cancer (April 2009) (PDF)
  Outlines New York City-specific guidelines for colon cancer screening and answers frequently asked questions about screening and prevention.

• Direct Referral for Colonoscopy Procedure Form  (PDF)
  The direct referral for colonoscopy form will assist you in identifying patients who are candidates for direct referral.  The reverse side of the form gives information on how to find a hospital or GI practice that accepts direct referrals.

• Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Referral for Colonoscopy (PDF)
  This form lists common questions primary care physicians have about the “Direct Referral for Colonoscopy Procedure” form and the direct referral process.

• List of Low-Cost Colonoscopy Programs/List of Direct Referral Sites (PDF)
  The front side of this form lists programs that offer low-cost colonoscopy in New York City. The back of the form lists the hospitals and institutions in NYC that accept the “Direct Referral for Colonoscopy Procedure” form.

Patient Education Information

• Patient Health Bulletin: Get Checked for Colon Cancer (PDF)
  Other languages:[Español] [ 中文]
  Describes how colonoscopy screens for and prevents colon cancer, tells who should be tested, describes other colon cancer tests, and lists risk factors for colon cancer.

• Patient Handout: Bowel Preparation Information (PDF)
  Other languages:[Español] [中文]
  This plain-language handout can be given to patients to help them understand what a colonoscopy is (side 1) and instructs patients on how to prepare for the procedure.

Copies of these materials can be downloaded and reproduced.  If you prefer to receive hard copies of the materials, dial ‘311’ in NYC. There is no charge to receive printed materials.