User:NYCDOHMH/Citywide Colon Cancer Control Coalition

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) formed the Citywide Colon Cancer Control Coalition or “C5” in March of 2003. C5’s mission is to 1) increase awareness of colorectal cancer in New York City; 2) increase screening for colorectal cancer in New York City; and 3) reduce the incidence and mortality of the disease.

C5 complements DOHMH colon cancer prevention and control efforts by bringing together diverse sectors – including leaders of health and social service organizations, academic institutions, governmental agencies and advocacy groups - to promote colon cancer screening and to advise on policy implementation.

C5 is co-chaired by Sidney Winawer, MD of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Thomas Weber, MD of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.

C5 Committees and Working Groups include:

Quality Improvement Task Force In addition to being concerned with increasing CRC screening rates in NYC, C5 has become increasingly focused on improving the quality of the screening.

C5 Ambassador Program Committee Members of C5 offer grand rounds presentations at hospitals throughout New York City. These sessions are appropriate for both clinical and administrative staff. Ambassadors currently include Thomas Weber, MD, Sidney Winawer, MD, Steven Itzkowitz, MD, Jean Burg and other well-known CRC experts in the greater New York area.

Committee on Increasing Primary Care Referrals C5 and the DOHMH developed a direct referral form for primary care physicians to directly refer patients for colonoscopy. Dissemination of this form and its evaluation will be a central focus of C5 activities during 2009-2010.

Screening Guidelines Committee Chairs: Sidney Winawer, MD and Bernard Levin, MD The C5 Steering Guidelines Committee advises NYC on its CRC screening guidelines. The committee meets bi-annually.

The C5 Summit Planning Committee Chairs: Sidney Winawer, MD and Thomas Weber, MD Together with the DOHMH, C5 hosts a meeting each spring, bringing together stakeholders from a variety of different sectors to discuss current issues in colon cancer screening and control.