Reaching Patients in Need of Screening for Colorectal Cancer

This portion of our 5-part peer-to-peer discussion on the importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening focuses on the importance of screening among younger patient populations.

In this video, our moderator Michael Sapienza is joined by Frank Colangelo, MD, Gursimran Kochhar, MD, and Thomas Imperiale, MD, as the experts engage in a conversation about strategies they use to encourage screening in patient populations susceptible to nonadherence.

Sapienza introduces the topic and asks the group what they do to address gaps in screening, with responses generally emphasizing the utility of at-home stool tests for the younger patient population who may not have the time or resources for colonoscopy as well as being cognizant of the sensitivity of the test they take in order to safely go longer in between tests as long as their results come back healthy. Additionally, Kocchar calls attention to the importance of “aligning forces” and collaborating with primary care providers who work closely with patients and often have the first opportunity to discuss screening with them.

Check out the rest of our discussion:

Part 1: Updates in Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations

Part 2: Pressing Challenges in Colorectal Cancer Screening

Part 3: Reaching Patients in Need of Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Part 4: Navigating Patient Histories, Risk Factor Conversations in CRC Screening

Part 5: Appropriate Guidance for CRC Screening Age, Role of Advocacy Organizations

Our Experts:

Michael Sapienza, chief executive officer of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the largest colon cancer advocacy group in the country, and member of the American Cancer Society’s National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable steering committee.

Frank Colangelo, MD, an internist, vice president, and chief quality officer for Premier Medical Associates, a large multispecialty group within Allegheny Health Network as well as a member of the American Cancer Society’s National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable steering committee.

Gursimran Kochhar, MD, a gastroenterologist, associate division chief of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and medical director of Endoscopic Innovations at Allegheny Health Network.

Thomas Imperiale, MD, principal investigator of the BLUE-C trial, research scientist at Regenstrief Institute, and Lawrence Lumeng Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Imperiale has no relevant disclosures to report. Colangelo has no disclosures to report. Relevant disclosures for Kochhar include CorEvitas Research, Eli Lilly, Boston Scientific Endoscopy, Olympus Endoscopy, and Pentax Endoscopy. Sapienza has no relevant disclosures to report.