An ASGE project that is designed to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and completion colonoscopy rates for underserved patients is entering its final phases.
With developmental projects in Georgia and Maryland, the ASGE CRC Screening Project has successfully screened more than 200 uninsured patients for CRC using a stool-based DNA test – and nearly 20 of the patients who’ve had an abnormal test result have had (or are scheduled to have) a completion colonoscopy, supported by patient navigation professionals at every step of the continuum of care.
Keeping in mind that patients in Georgia and Maryland will be screened through the May/June timeframe, ASGE will use the data it collects from this project to develop a free, web-based “playbook” that Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), policymakers and advocacy organizations can use to increase CRC screening and completion colonoscopy rates in other states. This playbook is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, once the project’s data analysis is complete.
In addition to its CRC screening and completion colonoscopy goals, ASGE continues to advocate for sustainable sources of state funding to increase CRC screening and completion rates for underserved patients. In fact, ASGE is credited with convincing lawmakers in Georgia to budget $250,000 to screen uninsured patients for CRC in 2026 (with even higher aspirations for 2027).
ASGE has, importantly, collaborated on this project with physicians and allied health care professionals, patient navigators, legislators and regulators, state and local advocacy organizations, community leaders and other key stakeholders.
Finally, it is worth noting that ASGE hosted a National CRC Screening Summit at its Institute for Training and Technology in Downers Grove, IL in September. Participants included some of the nation’s leading clinicians, patient navigators and advocacy organizations. The outcomes of this event will be highlighted in an ASGE journal article.
“We are convinced this project has the potential to save lives and effect real change in the advocacy arena and the healthcare system,” says Chair Jennifer Christie, MD, MASGE, the chair of the project’s blue ribbon Advisory Council. “We can and must do a better job when it comes to screening underserved patients for CRC and ensuring that those who have an abnormal test result get a timely completion colonoscopy for real peace of mind.”
The ASGE CRC Screening Project is funded with an unrestricted grant from Exact Sciences and additional support from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and Sebela Pharmaceuticals’ Braintree Laboratories affiliate.
Visit ASGE.org/CRC for more details on the ASGE CRC Screening Project.