Explore Gastroenterology & DigestiveColon Cancer Prevention
Colon cancer is a cancer of the large intestine that can often start with no symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend screening for colon cancer, even in seemingly healthy individuals. When colon cancer is found in its early stages, the risk of death is decreased exponentially.
The Colon Cancer Prevention Program is open to all men and women over 18. The program is dedicated to understanding the risks of colon cancer, the optimal strategy for diagnosis and treatment, and, most importantly, a structured approach to its prevention.
Personalized Prevention Plan
Colon cancer prevention is not one-size-fits-all. Many different factors can increase your odds of developing colon cancer. Because of this, the experts at UConn Health will help you understand your individual risk of developing colon cancer and will create a colon cancer prevention plan that includes a strategy for screening and surveillance and is tailored specifically to your lifestyle, family history, and other factors The program also offers ongoing support, education, and the benefits of today’s latest research advances.
Drawing on UConn’s diverse strengths as a university hospital, the Colon Cancer Prevention Program offers you the following:
- Personalized care by a team of nationally recognized experts
- Custom risk assessment services
- State-of-the-art colonoscopy services using advanced equipment to keep you comfortable and provide the most accurate imaging
- Comprehensive genetic assessment and counseling for individuals with a family history of colon cancer
- Ongoing education and counseling services for you and your family
- Easy scheduling procedure for appointments
- Convenient and accessible locations
Decades of Knowledge
The Colon Cancer Prevention Program follows thousands of patients for years to ensure the timely use of new knowledge or techniques that assist early detection or substantial risk reduction.
Who Is Eligible To Participate?
Anyone over the age of 18 who is concerned about their risk of colon cancer is encouraged to join the Colon Cancer Prevention Program.
A More Precise Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the best available tool to allow physicians to visualize the entire large intestine and look for the earliest signs of cancer. Experts with the Colon Cancer Prevention Program use a more advanced system to visualize even the smallest blood vessels within the colon. Because UConn’s system can vastly magnify molecular segments of tissue and blood vessels, experts can see the tiniest changes in the colon years, or even decades, before these changes could lead to dangerous polyps. In addition, your comfort is a high priority at UConn Health. Our team will make sure this examination is as easy as possible for you.
Your Cancer Prevention Plan
At UConn, your cancer prevention plan begins with a detailed assessment to help determine your unique risk factors. Our nurse practitioners, doctors, and other team leaders will start working with you at your first appointment to create your personal risk-reduction strategies.
Benefit from Our Research Strengths
Some of today’s most exciting colon cancer research is taking place here at UConn Health. The program has a robust collaborative relationship with outstanding start-up laboratories in the UConn Technology Incubators. Working with the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and other leading organizations, our scientists and physicians are looking into the early cellular changes that lead to colon cancer. UConn researchers are also studying the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on the colon. When you join the Colon Cancer Prevention Program, you and your family can benefit from UConn’s years of research experience and knowledge.
Ongoing Care
As part of this program, you will receive ongoing education about risk reduction strategies and new advances in colon cancer prevention, including a newsletter and invitations to talks and seminars We will work with you to make sure your cancer prevention plan continues to reflect the most up-to-date knowledge and scientific breakthrough.