Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the colon or the rectum; it is the second leading cancer killer of both men and women in the United States. About 50,000 Americans die of colon cancer each year—however, many of these deaths can be prevented with early screening. Precancerous polyps – abnormal growths in the colon or rectum – can be detected during a screening so they can be removed before turning into cancer.
The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (QIN) is pleased to announce it will be working to establish better tracking and reporting of colorectal cancer screening rates in the region. This opportunity is made possible through special funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Although the incidence of colon cancer has declined significantly over the past ten years largely due to improvement in screening and early detection, rates of colorectal cancer remain highest in the Midwest. The four Midwestern states served by the Great Plains QIN – Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota – continue to have colorectal cancer incidence rates that are higher than the national average and colorectal cancer screening rates that are far below the national average.
According to the American Cancer Society and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, a practitioner’s recommendation is the single most influential factor in persuading individuals to be screened for cancer, and only a systemic approach that is designed to provide this recommendation to every eligible patient will make it possible to achieve the targeted screening rates.
The Great Plains QIN will provide education and training to clinics through a regional Learning and Action Network (LAN). Topics to be covered will include current knowledge and guidelines about appropriate colorectal cancer screening, evidence-based practices for improving screening rates and strategies for overcoming barriers. In addition, the LAN will provide a forum for participating clinics to learn from one another and share successful strategies and lessons learned.
“Great Plains QIN team members will partner with primary care providers within the four-state area to recommend screening to patients and help create a systematic process to ensure recommendations and follow-up appointments. Through improved practices and shared knowledge, we can help identify colorectal cancer in the early stages. Prevention and early detection improves health, saves lives and reduces healthcare costs. We look forward to beginning this important work,” stated Ryan Sailor, Network Director.