Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer affects approximately 150,000 Americans each year. The Colorectal Cancer Program at the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care is uniquely dedicated to combating and eradicating this highly preventable disease.

Leader in education, innovation and treatment

Our comprehensive program includes strong advocacies in risk assessment, community outreach, treatment, innovation and research. Montefiore is one of only a handful of facilities worldwide offering such integrated expertise and capability in a single location.

Screening and early detection are the key elements in ensuring positive outcomes for colorectal cancer. Montefiore's Partners in Prevention Program is dedicated to promoting awareness and facilitating risk assessments in the community. We provide education and support to our patients, our community and healthcare professionals across the nation. For our efforts, we have been recognized by the City of New York as a leader in our field and a formidable force in colorectal cancer prevention. The Colorectal Cancer Program is part of the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care, a National Cancer Institute–designated Cancer Center.

Screening & prevention - The New York Colorectal Cancer Registry

Among our Partners in Prevention initiatives is the world-class New York Metropolitan Colorectal Cancer Registry. This one-of-a-kind registry allows us to work with patients and their families in assessing risk and managing preventive measures.

Montefiore makes access to colorectal cancer screening as easy and convenient as possible for our community. Following screening, Montefiore's staff performs a free risk assessment based on each patient's family history. We offer registry participation to those deemed to be at increased or high risk. Our nationally recognized staff provides support and education for registry members.

Spotlight on minimally invasive treatment

Our department employs the latest minimally invasive surgical innovations, using laparoscopic techniques for colon cancer surgery. The result is less pain, faster recovery and fewer complications in the long run.

Montefiore's multi-disciplinary approach includes specialists in medical oncology, gastroenterology and radiation oncology. These expert doctors gather regularly to discuss each case in detail and determine, as a team, the best course of treatment. Patients get the benefit of this comprehensive input — paired with state-of-the-art approaches — throughout their treatment.

Preserving quality of life

We understand that retaining normal function is of great concern to our colorectal cancer patients. Our sphincter-preserving expertise means more than 90 percent do not require colostomy. For the few who do, we have a dedicated stoma nurse and stoma therapist, both specially trained to help ease the transition.

For our rectal cancer patients, Montefiore employs the latest nerve-sparing techniques, which allow us to preserve full bladder and sexual function whenever possible.

In addition, we consider our patients' comfort during treatment a primary consideration. Our minimally invasive surgical approach drastically reduces discomfort. We also employ extremely effective anesthetic techniques and post-operative pain control methods.

Paving the way for the future

The research laboratory of Montefiore's Department of Colorectal Cancer is supported by both the American Cancer Society and the National Institute of Health. As innovators and leaders, we are making significant, ongoing contributions to developing preventive therapies and novel treatments.

Philip Caushaj, MD
Director, Colorectal Surgery
Department of Surgery
Telephone: 718-405-8265

Robert E. Michler, MD
Surgeon-in-Chief
Samuel I. Belkin Chair
Professor and Chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery