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50 or older? It's time for a colonoscopy - NOW!
Colon cancer kills, but it doesn't have to. A colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer and save your life. Be a hero for yourself and your family. For colon screening locations, see the list of facilities below or call 311.
Hear a message from Subway Hero Wesley Autrey about the importance of getting a colon screening.
Read the Press Release about the colon cancer public awareness campaign sponsored by HHC and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
See a list of facilities in all five boroughs where you can get a colon screening.
Presione Aquí para ver la versión en Español.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer (or colorectal cancer as it is sometimes called) is cancer that is found in the colon or rectum. Colon cancer usually begins as one or more tiny growths, called polyps, in the colon or rectum. If not removed, these polyps may turn into cancer.
Is colon cancer preventable? Yes.
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. But it doesn't have to be! Removing growths early can prevent cancer. If cancer already exists, screening tests can find it early when it's easier to treat. Everyone 50 years of age or older should have regular colon cancer screening tests.
Who is at risk for colon cancer?
Both men and women are at risk. Colon cancer occurs most often in people 50 years of age and older, and the risk increases as you get older. If you are 50 years old or older, it's time to get screened. Screening is the best way to find polyps before they turn into cancer or to find cancer and treat it. A family history of colon cancer may increase your risk for this disease. People at high risk for colon cancer may need to get tested more often and at an earlier age. It's best to speak with a health professional to discuss your options
What are the signs of colon cancer?
People who have polyps or colon cancer usually don't have signs of it, especially at first. That means that someone could have polyps or colon cancer and not even know it. That's why having regular screening tests is so important!
When there are signs of a polyp or cancer, they may include:
- Blood in or on your stool. (bowel movement)
- Stomach aches, pains or cramps that happen
often without reason.
- A change in bowel habits, such as having stools
that are narrower than usual.
- Losing weight and not knowing why.
Remember, having any or all of these signs does not mean that you have colon cancer. It's best to check with your health professional to be sure.
What is a colonoscopy?
There are many different tests that check for colon cancer, but a colonoscopy is the most reliable. It's the only colon cancer exam where a doctor can actually remove growths before they turn into cancer. This exam is safe and doesn't hurt, although patients may be given pain medicine and muscle relaxants ahead of time. During the exam, a doctor looks at the inside walls of the colon through a bendable, lighted tube with a camera at one end. If any growths are found, they can usually be removed without pain right away. The exam lasts about 30 minutes and should be done every five to ten years.
For Emergencies call 9-1-1
For more information call 3-1-1
COLON CANCER SCREENING LOCATIONS
Manhattan
Bellevue Hospital Center
462 First Avenue
New York, New York 10016
For appointments call (212) 562-4384
Harlem Hospital Center
506 Lenox Avenue
New York, New York 10037
For appointments call (212) 939-8400
Metropolitan Hospital Center
1901 First Avenue
New York, New York 10029
For appointments call (212) 423-6881
Queens
Elmhurst Hospital Center
79-01 Broadway
Elmhurst, New York 11373
For appointments call (718) 334-1900
Queens Hospital Center
82-70 164th Street
Jamaica, New York 11432
For appointments call (718) 883-3177
Bronx
North Central Bronx
3424 Kossuth Avenue
Bronx, New York 10467
For appointments call (718) 519-4943
Jacobi Medical Center
1400 Pelham Parkway South
Bronx, New York 10461
For appointments call (718) 918-5025/(718) 918-5648
Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center
234 East 149th Street
Bronx, New York 10451
For appointments call (718) 579-5000 ext 5994
Brooklyn
Coney Island Hospital
2601 Ocean Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11235
For appointments call (718) 616-5516
Kings County Hospital Center
451 Clarkson Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11203
For appointments call (718) 245-4401
Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center
760 Broadway
Brooklyn, New York 11206
For appointments call (718) 963-7936/(718) 963-6865
Staten Island
Free colonoscopies will be given to uninsured New Yorkers through April 30, 2007. Residents must call for an appointment. Telephone numbers and details are provided here:
Staten Island University Hospital
475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island
(718) 226-2370
Call Monday - Sunday, Anytime
Richmond University Medical Center
355 Bard Avenue, Staten Island
(718) 818-5891 Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm
(718) 818-5849 Leave message at other times
Bayley-Seton Hospital
75 Vanderbilt Avenue, Staten Island
(718) 818-5891
Call Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm
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