50 or Older?
Make a colonoscopy your next stop!

If you are approaching the age of 50, make a colonoscopy your next stop for good health.

More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur in people who are older than 50 years of age. When colon cancer is caught in its early stages, it is easily treated and often cured. Studies suggest that timely colonoscopy could prevent between 76 percent and 90 percent of all cases. Colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in New York City after lung cancer, killing over 1,400 NYC residents annually.

HHC is committed to making colonoscopies and other colon cancer screening tests available to all New Yorkers. If you are 50 years or older, speak to one of our Gastroenterologists (GI). HHC specialists are available to provide affordable, culturally sensitive services in all of our 11 hospitals. Contact one of our health centers today to request an appointment.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy allows for the examination of the entire colon and prevention of cancer by removal of potentially pre-cancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum —before they become cancer. A colonoscopy also allows for the detection of colon cancer early, when it is highly curable.

There are other methods that can be used to screen for colorectal cancer as well. One is a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. This is an exam used to evaluate the lower part of the large intestine (colon). Unlike a colonoscopy, the flexible sigmoidoscopy does not allow the doctor to see the entire colon. The other is annual blood stool tests which is a non-invasive way to screen for colorectal cancer, though may require a colonoscopy if the test result is abnormal. Speak to one of our physicians to see which screening method is right for you.

Our physicians perform over 21,000 colonoscopies a year. We help nearly 5,000 New Yorkers decrease their cancer risk by removing polyps during the procedure. Below are two articles to provide additional information about colon cancer and our comprehensive services:

• Tips to Reduce Colon Cancer
• HHC Colon Cancer Services

What risk factors are associated with colon cancer?

• Being 50 years old or older
• Having a family history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
• Having a personal history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
• Having a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD

Where can I get a colonoscopy?

HHC hospitals offer affordable colonoscopies and other colon cancer screening tests. If you have no insurance, speak to one of our bi-lingual financial counselors to see if you qualify for financial assistance.

To find an HHC hospital near you, use the list below:

What’s New?

Join HHC on social media to find out more about what we're doing in the area of colon cancer, to join the conversation, and to share the message of colon cancer prevention with your friends.

Download our new posters and share our colon cancer message with others.

We have joined forces with the Citywide Colon Cancer Control Coalition in the fight against colon cancer. Visit our partners for more information about colon cancer prevention.