Panel: Timely Colonoscopy Follow-Up to Positive (Abnormal) Non-Colonoscopy Tests-Close the Screening Gap Newsletter

Pdf Summary

The "Close the Screening Gap" newsletter emphasizes the importance of increasing colorectal cancer screening rates in the United States. While the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable aims for a screening rate of 80%, approximately 44 million Americans aged 45 to 74 remain unscreened for colorectal cancer. The newsletter encourages collaboration among healthcare systems to improve these statistics and expresses gratitude for ongoing contributions to achieving this public health goal.<br /><br />Guidelines from the American Cancer Society suggest various screening options for individuals at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. These options include stool-based tests and visual exams. It is noted that offering diverse screening choices, such as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and multitargeted stool DNA test (mt-sDNA), can enhance patient adherence. Colonoscopy, CT colonography, and flexible sigmoidoscopy are recommended at different intervals depending on the test type.<br /><br />The communication advises healthcare providers to discuss all available screening options with eligible patients, stressing the importance of shared decision-making. This approach involves a collaborative process where patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions together, considering the latest scientific evidence, as well as the patients’ values and preferences.<br /><br />Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that patients undergo screening using any of the recommended methods, leading to improved health outcomes. The newsletter also notes that entities utilizing this material must ensure the accuracy of the information about their company and its coverage details. The content can be adapted to fit organizational needs, including the removal of the Exact Sciences logo.

Asset Caption

a template that can be used as a co-branded newsletter to promote screening

Keywords

colorectal cancer screening

screening rates

National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable

American Cancer Society guidelines

stool-based tests

visual exams

shared decision-making

healthcare collaboration

patient adherence

public health goal