The Brooklyn Hospital Center Partners with Colon Cancer Coalition to Drive Quality Improvement in Colorectal Cancer Screening Across Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) is proud to announce a partnership with the Colon Cancer Coalition, facilitated through a generous grant aimed at bolstering colorectal cancer screening and prevention efforts within Brooklyn's diverse communities.

To start the partnership, a colorectal cancer awareness event was held outside the hospital in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on March 28. Participants had a chance to see a blown-up colon and speak with the hospital’s gastroenterologists.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country due to gaps in screening and access to care. In Brooklyn, these disparities are especially pronounced, with Black, Hispanic and low-income communities facing the highest barriers to early detection. Many TBHC patients — particularly those insured by Medicaid or navigating socioeconomic challenges — experience difficulties in accessing, completing and following up on recommended screenings, putting them at greater risk for late-stage diagnoses.

“This grant empowers us to deepen our outreach, enhance patient engagement, and improve access to life-saving screenings. Our mission is to provide outstanding care, education and research to keep our community healthy,” said Madhavi Reddy, MD, FACG, TBHC’s Chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. “Through this partnership with the Colon Cancer Coalition, we are aiming to elevate our screening rates by 10% by the end of 2025, with a strong focus on shared decision-making, genetic testing and timely delivery of comprehensive screening options. Early detection is crucial, and we are dedicated to making it accessible to all Brooklyn residents.”

The funding, sourced from the Colon Cancer Coalition’s annual Get Your Rear in Gear® 5K run/walk event in New York City, will facilitate:

• Enhanced Patient Education: Developing comprehensive materials to inform patients about various screening options and the importance of early detection.
• Provider Training in Genetic Testing: Equipping healthcare providers with the knowledge to identify and manage patients at increased genetic risk for colorectal cancer.
• Community Outreach Initiatives: Organizing awareness events, patient navigation services, and direct engagement efforts to encourage proactive health measures.

“As local event directors for Get Your Rear in Gear – New York, we have personally felt the devastating impact of colorectal cancer, having lost loved ones to this disease,” shared Malvina Kefalas and Alyssa Frost, Local Event Co-Directors for Get Your Rear in Gear - New York. “We are deeply committed to ensuring that funds raised stay within our community, directly aiding in prevention and early detection efforts. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to saving lives and fostering a healthier future for Brooklyn.”

The Colon Cancer Coalition, dedicated to encouraging screening and empowering local communities in the fight against colorectal cancer, emphasizes the significance of localized support. “We are particularly proud of this grant because it directly delivers on our mission and ensures that funds raised locally are reinvested into the community to support life-saving prevention and early detection initiatives,” stated Chris Evans, President of the Colon Cancer Coalition. “Collaborating with The Brooklyn Hospital Center enables us to reach individuals who face the greatest challenges in accessing care, ensuring equitable health outcomes.”

Elaine Knight, BSN, MBA, Ambulatory Care Quality Manager at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, will spearhead the project, leading the implementation of the screening and quality improvement initiatives.