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Colorectal Cancer Screening: What Medical Assistants Need to Know
Course Overview
This free course will be available for a limited time. 

Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful tools in preventing cancer and improving patient outcomes— yet gaps in awareness and follow-through remain. Take a closer look at why colorectal cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and how early detection through routine screening can make all the difference.
 
Medical assistants play a vital role in this effort. As a consistent point of contact for patients, they are uniquely positioned to influence screening conversations, provide education, and support patients through the screening process—from intake to follow-up care. Review the critical ways medical assistants help close screening gaps and improve population health outcomes.
 
Featured in the podcast is Durado Brooks, MD, MPH, associate chief medical officer for screening at Exact Sciences. With decades of experience in cancer prevention and early detection—including more than 20 years leading national screening initiatives at the American Cancer Society—Dr. Brooks shares expert insights on increasing screening rates, addressing disparities, and empowering health care teams to save lives through proactive care.
Interacting With The Content
PLEASE NOTE: The learning content is a recorded podcast, so sound is required.
Course Information
Course Description
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers, yet many cases can be prevented through timely screening. This course explores the importance of colorectal cancer screening, current screening recommendations, warning signs, available screening methods, and strategies for improving screening rates. Learners will examine stool-based tests, colonoscopy, patient navigation, reminder systems, and approaches to reducing barriers to care.

The course also addresses disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes and the challenges faced by underserved populations. Medical assistants will gain practical strategies for educating patients, reinforcing screening recommendations, supporting follow-up care, and helping patients complete potentially life-saving screenings.

Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:
  • Describe the importance of colorectal cancer screening in preventing disease and improving outcomes.
  • Identify common warning signs and risk factors associated with colorectal cancer.
  • Compare stool-based screening options and colonoscopy as colorectal cancer screening methods.
  • Recognize barriers that contribute to screening disparities and delayed diagnoses.
  • Apply patient education, reminder, and follow-up strategies that support screening completion.
Course Contributors
Dorado Brooks, MD
Host, "Colorectal Cancer Screening: What Medical Assistants Need to Know".
Intended Audience
This course is intended for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, allied health professionals, and ambulatory care team members involved in preventive care, patient education, care coordination, and population health initiatives. Learners will gain practical strategies to help patients understand, complete, and follow through with colorectal cancer screening recommendations.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
FREE
CEU Offered:
1 Gen/Adm/Clin CEU
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