What to know
- CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program increases colorectal cancer screening among people who are 45 to 75.
Purpose
The purpose of CDC's Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) is to increase colorectal cancer screening among people between 45 and 75. The program works with clinics, hospitals, and other health care organizations to put in place and strengthen strategies that increase colorectal cancer screening (called evidence-based interventions). These strategies are described in the Guide to Community Preventive Services (the Community Guide).
Program history
To learn the best ways to provide colorectal cancer screening across the country, CDC conducted a 4-year colorectal cancer screening pilot program in five sites from 2005 through 2009. The program provided colorectal cancer screening tests recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) to people with low incomes and without enough insurance to pay for these tests.
Because of the pilot's success, in 2009, Congress provided funds to CDC to start the CRCCP. Building on lessons learned, the program has changed over time. When the program started, it promoted colorectal cancer screening for people who were 50 or older and provided colorectal cancer screening services. The program now requires its award recipients to partner with clinics and health systems that have a low percentage of patients who are up to date with colorectal cancer screening. This approach allows award recipients to implement evidence-based activities proven to increase screening and collect data to measure and assess the program's progress and effectiveness.
The CRCCP funds 38 award recipients: 21 states, 8 universities, 3 tribal organizations, and 6 other organizations.
Importance of screening
Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. Screening can find polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
The Task Force recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults at average risk who are between 45 and 75. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.
Despite strong evidence to support colorectal cancer screening, many adults have not been screened as recommended. Lower screening directly contributes to higher death rates from colorectal cancer. Groups who are less likely to be screened include:
- Men.
- People who are Hispanic, American Indian, or Alaska Native.
- People who are 45 to 64.
- Those who don't live in a city.
- Those with lower education and income levels.
Highlights from the Field
This video illustrates how CRCCP award recipients and their community partners work together to increase colorectal cancer screening.