Collaboration to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Uninsured Patients | Preventing Chronic Disease: May 2011: 10_0155

COMMUNITY CASE STUDY
Collaboration to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Low-Income Uninsured Patients

Diana Redwood, MS, MPH; Larry Holman, MS; Sharon Zandman-Zeman, RN, MSW; Tom Hunt, MD; Leah Besh; Wanda Katinszky, RN, MSW


Suggested citation for this article: Redwood D, Holman L, Zandman-Zeman S, Hunt T, Besh L, Katinszky W. Collaboration to increase colorectal cancer screening among low-income uninsured patients. Prev Chronic Dis 2011;8(3).
http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2011/may/10_0155.htm. Accessed [date].

PEER REVIEWED

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. CRC screening allows for prevention through the removal of precancerous lesions and early detection of cancer.

Community Context
Ride for Life Alaska (RFL), a nonprofit organization that raises funds to fight cancer, and the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC), which is Alaska’s largest community health center, joined efforts to provide CRC screening and outreach to an ethnically diverse group of low-income underinsured or uninsured patients residing in and around Anchorage, Alaska.

Methods
RFL and ANHC worked with gastroenterologists, medical practices, and pathology services to contribute pro bono and reduced-fee services for CRC screening. Information to patients was distributed through signs in the clinic, flyers, and the ANHC website.

Outcomes
CRC screening was increased in this population. During 2007-2009, there were 2,561 immunochemical fecal occult blood tests given to patients, and 1,558 were completed (61%); 24% were positive. Sixteen gastroenterologists, 4 medical practices, and 2 laboratories provided 111 follow-up colonoscopies and pathology services to patients identified through the CRC screening program who did not have other funding resources available for follow-up care.

Interpretation
This program provides a model for leveraging scarce screening resources by drawing on multiple partners to increase CRC screening. Recommendations for those seeking to initiate similar programs are to have memoranda of agreement in place and a clear scope of work for all participating people and organizations to avoid delays in program implementation; hire a screening care coordinator to manage patient care and collaborate with medical practices; and identify program champions who have the energy and persistence to craft such partnerships.

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Preventing Chronic Disease: May 2011: 10_0155


Author Information
Corresponding Author: Diana Redwood, MS, MPH, Ride for Life Alaska, 2600 Denali St, Ste 450, Anchorage, AK 99503. Telephone: 907-248-6276. E-mail: info@rideforlifealaska.org.

Author Affiliations: Larry Holman, Ride for Life Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska; Sharon Zandman-Zeman, Tom Hunt, Leah Besh, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, Anchorage, Alaska; Wanda Katinszky, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Anchorage, Alaska.