The New York City Health Department and the Health and Hospitals Corporation have announced that in just under a decade New York City's colonoscopy rate has increased by 62 percent, according to a news release.
New York City's average colonoscopy rate is now 67 percent, up from 42 percent in 2003 when the city first began tracking the rates.
The city has pushed to increase screening rates while also eliminating racial disparities. In 2010, colonoscopy rates in the Asian community were on par with African-Americans, whites and Hispanics for the first time.
Russian-speaking New Yorkers still trail behind the citywide colonoscopy rate, and the city has pledged to identify why and increase the screening rate.
"Colonoscopy screening saves lives," said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley, in the release. "Two-thirds of New Yorkers are getting screening, but one-third is not. If you're 50 or older or belong to a higher risk group, call 311 to find a screening location, and encourage friends and loved ones to do the same."
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