Screen Today. Save Lives Tomorrow

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Jul 15, 2026

SUNY Downstate's Colon Cancer Screening Fair

A recent Colon Cancer Screening Fair brought together medical students, physicians, nurses, and community health professionals to promote colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. Hosted by the Gastroenterology Student Club in partnership with the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Center for Community Health Promotion & Wellness, the event was led by Michael Lynch (COM 2028), President of the Gastroenterology Student Club, in collaboration with Sushil K. Ahlawat, M.D., FACP, AGAF, FASGE, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Professor of Medicine, and Betty Jung, RN, Center for Community Health Promotion & Wellness.

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men under age 50 and the second leading cause among women under age 50. Yet routine screening beginning at age 45 can prevent many cases by identifying and removing precancerous polyps or detecting cancer before symptoms develop.

Community members learned about screening options, including fecal testing and colonoscopy, and how to access care through Downstate. Adults ages 45–75 who are due for screening can schedule an appointment with SUNY Downstate Gastroenterology by calling (718) 270-4772. Those who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify for free screening through the New York State Cancer Services Program by calling (718) 270-3739.

The fair was made possible by the dedication of medical students, physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers, and by the support of University Hospital and University leadership. Downstate extends its appreciation to everyone whose collaboration made the event possible, including hospital staff Naekemma Durrant, RN; Michelle King, MPH; Anwar Uddin, M.D.; Brianna Sarowa, M.D.; and Elizabeth Kuye, NA2; College of Medicine students Michael Lynch, Azusa Okada, Paul Kim, Radiah Khandokar, Danying Guan, Sharon Castro, Jyoti Pun Mehta, Amrin Rahman, Celina Tran, and Hyunjee Lim; and senior leadership Alishia Goodridge, MBA, AVP; Moro O. Salifu, M.D.; Lavonia Francis, DNP, RN; and Erik Liu, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE, for their support of this important community initiative.

Through initiatives like this, Downstate continues to advance its mission of improving community health through education, prevention, and equitable access to care, helping Brooklyn residents #KeepCareClose.