What CDC Is Doing About Colorectal Cancer
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CDC aims to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and deaths, as part of the agency’s overarching goal of ensuring that people are healthy in every stage of life.
National Programs
CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program provides funding to state health departments, universities, Tribes, and other organizations to increase colorectal cancer screening rates by implementing evidence-based interventions (strategies shown to increase cancer screening) described in the Guide to Community Preventive Services.
CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program funds state, Tribal, territorial, and U.S. Pacific Island jurisdiction programs to implement specific colorectal cancer strategies identified in their cancer control plans.
Science
CDC conducts a variety of colorectal cancer research activities—
- Analyzing colorectal cancer screening rates from ongoing national surveillance systems, such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the National Health Interview Survey.
- Funding projects across the nation to identify effective intervention approaches for promoting colorectal cancer screening among diverse populations.
- Assessing prevention behaviors among colorectal cancer survivors.
- Assessing the impact of socioeconomic and cultural factors on colorectal cancer survivor participation in post-treatment colon examinations.
- Measuring costs, cost efficiencies, and potential cost savings from colorectal cancer screening.
- Funding a project to assess use of patient navigation to improve uptake of genetic counseling and testing among colorectal cancer patients.
Awareness and Education
Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
CDC’s Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign is a multimedia effort promoting colorectal cancer screening. Launched in 1999, this campaign informs people about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening.
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
CDC is a founding member of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a network of public and private organizations that promote colorectal cancer awareness and screening on the national level.
Other Activities
- Increasing awareness of screening recommendations among health care providers.
- Providing guidance and tools for clinicians on the optimal ways to implement screening for colorectal cancer to help ensure that patients receive maximum benefit.
- Promoting increased patient-provider communication about colorectal cancer screening.