The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) 80% by 2018 colorectal cancer screening initiative is bringing together more than 1,000 organizations around the shared goal to get 80% of adults ages 50 or older regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.  Achieving the goal of 80% by 2018 would prevent 277,000 colorectal cancer cases and 203,000 colorectal cancer deaths by  2030.

Colorectal cancer screening has multiple methods based on patient risk and family history.  Conducting a patient risk assessment is valuable and necessary for determining the best screening method.  Average-risk patients may choose a simple take-home blood stool test, while high-risk patients consider the preventive benefits of colonoscopy.

To ensure timely and appropriate screening to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable has developed a  guide for identifying high-risk patient and families in a practice using risk assessment tools and recommendations based on family history of colorectal cancer or colonic adenomas.

The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network provides technical assistance and support for organization interested in increasing colorectal cancer screening rates.  For more information, check out the cancer prevention initiative  and reach out to the appropriate local contact.