Hospital will expand screenings, education and offer colonoscopies to low-income and uninsured populations
Richmond University Medical Center has been awarded a grant to help combat the growing rate of colorectal cancer on Staten Island. RUMC was awarded $25,000 from the Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund to expand educational outreach and the number of no-cost colonoscopies provided to underserved individuals.
“We are extremely pleased and grateful to the Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund. As a safety-net hospital we are proud to serve the most vulnerable patients in the community,” RUMC’s Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cancer Service Line Director, and Fellowship Program Director, Victoria Forte, MD, said. “This grant will increase our colonoscopy screenings thereby detecting cancers early and even preventing colon cancers. As Benjamin Frankin said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth and pound of cure.’”
With the funds, RUMC will focus efforts on driving up colon cancer screening rates among low-income and uninsured community members, improve early detection of colon cancer and precancerous conditions, and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes among populations that face the highest barriers to care. In many of the communities RUMC serves, screening rates remain well below national targets, contributing to higher incidence of late-stage diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.
RUMC will utilize the funding to provide a limited number of no-cost colonoscopies to uninsured, underinsured, and/or low-income individuals. Those who meet the criteria will be eligible for two physician visits (pre- and post-procedure), the colonoscopy procedure, and pathology reading of any specimens collected during the procedure. Additionally, the individuals will also receive navigation support to help them manage scheduling, transportation, preparation instructions, and follow-up care, minimizing common barriers that often lead to missed appointments or incomplete screenings.
RUMC will also offer community-based educational sessions through the grant aimed at raising awareness about colon cancer prevention, the importance of early detection, and available screening resources. These education and outreach initiatives will be delivered in partnership with local community groups and faith-based organizations and will be tailored to meet the cultural and language needs of the audience, including printed materials in both English and Spanish.
Board certified gastroenterologist Vahe Shahnazarian, MD, MPH, FACP, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this grant. It will go a long way to providing colon cancer screening in our underserved community members. Between raising awareness with our educational sessions and providing high quality care with colonoscopies, we hope to drastically cut down on this easily preventable cancer in our close-knit community.” Dr. Shahnazarian cares for patients at RUMC and as a member of RUMC’s Richmond Health Network, which has over 30 primary care and specialty offices in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Staten Island has the highest rate of colorectal cancer cases in New York City. According to the New York State Cancer Registry, from 2018 to 2022, the most current data shows that Staten Island has a rate of 41.4 cases of colorectal cancer per 100,000 people, well ahead of Brooklyn (35.5 cases), the Bronx (34.7 cases), Queens (34.3 cases), and Manhattan (30.1 cases).
“Colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death, yet it is one of the most preventable with timely screening and early detection,” RUMC President and CEO, Daniel J, Messina, PhD, FACHE, MPA, said. “Despite this, significant disparities persist, particularly among low-income, uninsured, and underinsured populations who face barriers such as lack of access to affordable screening, limited awareness, and challenges navigating the healthcare system. Our hospital plays a critical and unique role in addressing these disparities. Through our deep-rooted partnerships with community-based organizations and trusted local leaders, we are able to engage these hard-to-reach populations effectively. Our bilingual staff and culturally tailored outreach initiatives also ensure that our services are accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of the community.”
RUMC has already been at the forefront of the battle against colorectal cancer for many years thanks to its many comprehensive oncology services, free health screenings, and its Colon Health Initiative, an endeavor funded by the New York City Council, which provides no-cost or low-cost colon cancer screenings, patient education, and navigation services to help individuals overcome logistical, financial, and informational barriers.
The Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund was established in 1930 to support quality health care and human services programming for underserved populations.
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
