Recommended Screening

Screening for colorectal cancer is an effective means of detecting the disease in its early, most curable stages. In fact, some cancers can even be prevented by removing potentially premalignant polyps during colonoscopy, before they have the opportunity to progress to cancer. Sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower part of the colon), virtual colonoscopy (a test that combines computed tomography scanning and sophisticated image processing computers with skilled radiologists to recreate and evaluate the inner surface of the colon), a stool DNA test, and a test to find blood in the stool are other tools used to screen for colorectal cancer. 

To learn when you should undergo screening for colorectal cancer, visit the American Cancer Society Web site.

Services Available

Screening tests for colorectal cancer are available at NYU Medical Center. We also offer annual no-cost screenings for this disease. For more information and to make an appointment, please call the NYU Physician Referral Service at 1-888-7-NYU-MED (1-888-769-8633). You may also visit the Division of Gastroenterology.

Research

NYU is evaluating endoscopy as a means of detecting early stomach cancers and premalignant stomach lesions in East Asian patients, who are often at high risk for these diseases. Since stomach cancer is often advanced by the time it causes symptoms, finding it early can increase the likelihood of successful treatment.