Colorectal Cancer Screening Project | 2023-14

Pdf Summary

Dr. James Hotz, Clinical Services Director of Albany Area Primary Health Care, provided an update on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Georgia. He highlighted the importance of reaching the national goal of 80% CRC screening by 2018, as it has been proven that screening can reduce CRC-related deaths. Not being up-to-date with screening has been associated with a higher risk of CRC-related mortality.<br /><br />Dr. Hotz presented data showing the significant reduction in CRC deaths per 1000 individuals when screened compared to unscreened individuals. He discussed various screening methods and their effectiveness. Stool tests and direct visualization tests, such as colonoscopy, were shown to avert CRC deaths when performed at the appropriate ages.<br /><br />He mentioned the Georgia Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (GCCRT), which was created in 2015 and consists of representatives from various disciplines dedicated to reducing the incidence and mortality of CRC in Georgia. The GCCRT has set goals for provider education, access to screening, and health system and community engagement.<br /><br />Dr. Hotz emphasized the importance of health disparities and the need for equal access to screening for all populations. He shared the success of patient navigation programs in improving colonoscopy show rates and bowel preps, highlighting the South Carolina model as a potential replication in Georgia.<br /><br />The presentation also discussed the role of health systems in addressing CRC screening, with opportunities for CoC hospitals and non-profit hospitals to improve screening rates through coordinated care and community health needs assessments.<br /><br />Dr. Hotz presented evaluation findings from a patient navigation program, showing improvement in colonoscopy screening rates over the years. He also discussed the impact of CRC screening and the potential lives saved if the 80% screening rate is achieved.<br /><br />In conclusion, Dr. Hotz thanked the audience and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to increase CRC screening rates in Georgia.

Asset Subtitle

James Hotz, MD, MACP

Keywords

Dr. James Hotz

Clinical Services Director

Albany Area Primary Health Care

colorectal cancer screening

Georgia

national goal

CRC-related deaths

screening methods

Stool tests

direct visualization tests