Free Colorectal Cancer Screenings Offered Saturday, March 19
Mar 8, 2011
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University will offer free colorectal cancer screenings on Saturday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at its Endoscopy Center, 760 Parkside Avenue, between New York and Nostrand Avenues.
Colorectal cancer is among the most common causes of cancer-related deaths, but it is also highly preventable. If diagnosed early, it often can be cured completely. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include being age 50 or older; African-American or Ashkenazi Jewish; a family history of cancer; a personal history of cancer or polyps; smoking; diabetes; and obesity. However, the most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom at all.
Blood pressure and diabetes screenings will also be available. The event is sponsored by University Physicians of Brooklyn; University Hospital at Downstate; the Center for Community Health Promotion and Wellness; and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology. Refreshments will be served. Those wishing more information may call 718-282-7234.
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About SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn is one of four academic health centers (AMCs) in The State University of New York (SUNY) 64-campus system and the only SUNY AMC in New York City dedicated to health education, research, and patient care for the borough’s 2.7 million residents. Its flagship hospital, University Hospital at Downstate (UHD), is a teaching hospital and benefits from the expertise of Downstate’s exceptional medical school and world-class academic center research facilities. With a staff of over 800 physicians representing 53 specialties and subspecialties, Downstate offers comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
UHD provides high-risk neonatal and infant services, pediatric nephrology, and dialysis for kidney diseases and is the only kidney transplantation program in Brooklyn. Beyond its clinical expertise, Downstate houses a range of esteemed educational institutions, including its College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Public Health. Downstate fosters innovation through its multifaceted biotechnology initiative, the Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT, which support early-stage and more mature biotech companies.