What to know
- CDC aims to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and deaths, as part of its goal of ensuring that people are healthy in every stage of life.
National programs
CDC's Colorectal Cancer Control Program provides funding to state health departments, universities, tribes, and other organizations to increase colorectal cancer screening rates by implementing evidence-based interventions (strategies shown to increase cancer screening) described in the Guide to Community Preventive Services.
CDC's National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program funds state, tribal, territorial, and jurisdiction programs to implement specific colorectal cancer strategies identified in their cancer control plans.
Science
CDC conducts a variety of colorectal cancer research activities:
- Analyzing colorectal cancer screening prevalence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the National Health Interview Survey.
- Funding projects across the nation to find ways to promote colorectal cancer screening among diverse groups of people.
- Assessing prevention behaviors among colorectal cancer survivors.
- Measuring costs, cost efficiencies, and potential cost savings from colorectal cancer screening.
- Examining primary care doctors' awareness of signs and symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer and referral practices.
Awareness and education
Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
CDC's Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign is a multimedia effort promoting colorectal cancer screening. Launched in 1999, this campaign informs people about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening.
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
CDC is a founding member of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a network of public and private organizations that promote colorectal cancer awareness and screening on the national level.