About the Colon Cancer Prevention Center

Our High-Quality Services

The Colon Cancer Prevention Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is dedicated to the early detection of colon cancer, giving patients the best chance for a cure. A division of the medical center’s Endoscopy Services, the center uses the latest, state-of-the-art endoscopic technology and offers a comprehensive range of colon cancer screenings. These include virtual colonoscopy, a relatively new minimally invasive procedure that is offered only at a few select sites, which you may or may not be a candidate for depending on your health history. Other screening procedures performed at The Colon Cancer Prevention Center include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, digital rectal exam, fecal occult blood test of the stool, and X-ray studies – all located under one roof in a safe and therapeutic environment on the campus of Hackensack University Medical Center. All endoscopies and colonoscopies can be scheduled within 48 hours.

In addition to screenings, education is the main focus at The Colon Cancer Prevention Center. We provide patients with an assessment of their risk, we offer recommendations on lifestyle and dietary changes. We also give patients with a family history of the disease immediate access to experts in genetic counseling.

Since the center is a program of Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the nation’s premier university-based facilities, patients who need follow-up care also have access to the medical center’s vast range of advanced treatment services and clinical research studies.

Our Modern Facilities

The Colon Cancer Prevention Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is located within The Endoscopy Services on the eighth floor of the state-of-the-art Hackensack University Medical Plaza, one of the largest ambulatory care facilities in the country. Our modern, homelike suite features comfortable, private examination rooms, ample bathroom facilities, and a spacious waiting area for your family and friends. Valet parking is also available.

As part of our comprehensive continuum of care, the Hackensack University Medical Plaza is also home to several other Hackensack University Medical Center programs, including The Cancer Center, The Betty Torricelli Institute for Breast Care, and The Center for Health and Healing. Just steps away from The Colon Cancer Prevention Center is The David Joseph Jurist Research Center for Tomorrows Children, one of the region’s most scientifically advanced hospital-based research facilities where extensive studies are conducted in all areas of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Our Expert Staff

The Colon Cancer Prevention Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is spearheaded by a team of distinguished medical experts skilled in the latest techniques and procedures who are also sensitive to your apprehensions and privacy concerns. Our physicians are board-certified with extensive expertise and experience in endoscopy. They work in consultation with your doctor, who will be able to take part in the subsequent recommendations made to you based upon your screening results.

The Benefits of a Medical Center

Located within Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the nation’s most comprehensive and advanced medical centers, The Colon Cancer Prevention Center is an ideal place for your outpatient procedure. Here, in a safe and therapeutic environment, you and your physician will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and renowned specialists in virtually every field of medicine.

Affiliated Physicians

If your primary care physician is affiliated with The Colon Cancer Prevention Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, he or she may schedule and give you the necessary preparations for your colon screening, which will be performed by an endoscopist at the center.

Board-certified primary care physicians referring to and taking an active role in The Colon Cancer Prevention Center are:

Waiel M. Abdelwahab, M.D. • Eric A. Avezzano, M.D. • David P. Bleeker, M.D. • Thomas A. Cacciola, M.D. • Martin P. Chatelain, M.D.Peter J. DeMauro, M.D. • Michael S. Farber, M.D. • Salvatore Focella, M.D. • Adam Goldfarb, M.D. • Andrew S. Karlin, M.D.Paul Keshishian, D.O. • George Leipsner, M.D. • Francis W. Meo, M.D. • Robert K. Parangi, M.D. • Michael S. Parangi, M.D.Pedro M. Pereira, M.D. • Edward R. Prins, M.D. • Arie Rave, M.D. • Richard N. Righthand, M.D. • Gary Schwartz, M.D. • Safwat Shaker, M.D.Herena Sim, M.D. • John M. Totaro,III, M.D. • Muhammad S. Umer, M.D. • Donald L. Weinstein, M.D. • Philip Woodham, M.D

Making An Appointment

The Colon Cancer Prevention Center at Hackensack University Medical Center accepts both self and physician referrals. Before calling the center, please check with your insurance carrier to verify coverage and determine whether or not you need a referral from your doctor. Most insurance plans cover the cost of these procedures.

To schedule an appointment, call 201-996-CCPC (2272). All endoscopies and colonoscopies can be scheduled within 48 hours.

How to Reach Us

The Colon Cancer Prevention Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is located within The Endoscopy Services at 20 Prospect Avenue, Suite 813, Hackensack, NJ 07601. For more information, call 201-996-CCPC (2272).

Directions and Map to Medical Center:

From George Washington Bridge and East:
Follow Route 80 West, staying in local lanes, to Exit 64B. Turn right at light onto Polifly Road. Travel north on Polifly Road. At second light, turn left onto Essex Street. At first light, turn right onto Prospect Avenue. Hackensack University Medical Center is on the right.

From Paterson Area and West:
Follow Route 80 East, staying in local lanes to Exit 63B for Rochelle Park and Paramus. (Exit ramp sign says Exit 63) Turn left off exit ramp and turn right at light onto Essex Street. Follow Hospital signs. At fourth light, turn left onto Prospect Avenue. Hackensack University Medical Center is on the right.

From Southern New Jersey on the New Jersey Turnpike:
Follow Route 95-N.J. Turnpike North to the junction of Route 80. Take 80 West and stay in lanes for “Local Exits” to exit 64B for Hasbrouck Heights and Newark. Turn right at light onto Polifly Road. Travel north on Polifly Road. At second light, turn left onto Essex Street. At first light, turn right onto Prospect Avenue. Hackensack University Medical Center is on the right.

From Northern New Jersey on Route 17:
Follow Route 17 South to Essex Street exit. Turn left onto Essex Street. At fourth light, turn left onto Prospect Avenue. Hackensack University Medical Center is on the right.

From Southern New Jersey on Route 17:
Follow Route 17 North to Polifly Road turnoff. Go under the Route 80 overpass and turn left at the second light onto Essex Street. Turn right at the first light onto Prospect Avenue. Hackensack University Medical Center is on the right.

From the Lincoln Tunnel:
Take Route 3 West to Route 17 North to Essex Street exit. Turn right onto Essex Street. At fourth light, turn left onto Prospect Avenue. Hackensack University Medical Center is on the right.

From the Garden State Parkway:
From the Garden State Parkway, either north or south, take Route 80 East. Follow directions above for Paterson and West.