Colorectal Cancer Screening Project | 2023-1

Pdf Summary

The ASGE Colorectal Cancer Screening Project held a national summit on August 24, 2023. ASGE, an organization of gastroenterologists and healthcare professionals, aims to advance patient care and digestive health through excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death, with 153,020 people diagnosed and 52,550 deaths in 2023. The incidence and death rates vary by race/ethnicity, with black individuals having the highest rates. The American Cancer Society recommends starting screening for average-risk individuals at age 45, continuing until age 75, and stopping after age 85. Screening options include stool-based tests (FIT, gFOBT, mt-sDNA) every year and visual exams (colonoscopy, CT colonography, FSIG) at varying intervals.<br /><br />The ASGE CRC Screen Project addresses the issue of low follow-up colonoscopy rates for uninsured/underinsured patients with positive stool-based tests. They aim to develop a financially sustainable model and a roadmap to navigate the CRC care process. Educational, navigation, and outreach programs are being funded in Georgia and Maryland, with an emphasis on gaining a better understanding of barriers along the screening continuum. The project has key target outcomes, including increasing CRC screening in underserved communities, reducing the time interval from abnormal stool test to colonoscopy, developing playbooks for nationwide programs, and creating prototype legislation for sustainable funding. <br /><br />The project will be implemented in three phases: foundation building (2023), implementation (2024), and analysis, playbook development, and policy implementation (2025). Phase one involves identifying primary sites, educating legislators, developing partnerships with GIs, and finalizing project metrics. Selection criteria for primary sites include a proven track record of working with uninsured/underinsured individuals and the ability to provide a full continuum of care. Key partners and stakeholders include healthcare systems, physicians, patient navigators, legislators, advocacy organizations, community leaders, and patients. ASGE will seek Cologuard test donations from Exact Sciences.<br /><br />In summary, the ASGE Colorectal Cancer Screening Project aims to improve follow-up colonoscopy rates for uninsured/underinsured patients with positive stool-based tests. They are developing a financially sustainable model, partnering with primary sites, and seeking to increase CRC screening rates in underserved communities. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, legislators, and advocacy organizations is crucial to the success of the project.

Asset Subtitle

Jennifer Christie, MD, FASGE

Keywords

ASGE Colorectal Cancer Screening Project

colorectal cancer

cancer death

screening options

follow-up colonoscopy rates

uninsured/underinsured patients

financially sustainable model

underserved communities

primary sites

collaboration