March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! It’s a time to focus on the importance of colorectal cancer screening and its potential to save lives. At PHN, we are proud to be a part of ongoing efforts to reduce its impact in our communities. In January 2023, we were honored to receive the HRSA Accelerating Cancer Screening grant. This two-year initiative allowed us to specifically focus on improving CRC screening rates in Beaver, Lawrence, and Erie counties.
Through this unique opportunity, we made a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve by addressing gaps in colorectal cancer screenings and providing vital support for those who needed follow-up care. We are excited to share the work we’ve done, the partnerships we’ve formed, and the progress we’ve made in improving colorectal cancer screening rates in our communities.
Implementing the Grant: A Team Effort
We recruited a CRC Nurse Navigator as an integral team member to assist in guiding our patients through the screening process. As a Registered Nurse, they provided education and offered personalized support to patients eligible for CRC screenings. Our Nurse Navigator took the time to explain the different types of screenings available, such as at-home fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies, ensuring each patient received the screening best suited to their medical history and personal preferences.
For patients who received a positive screening result, the Nurse Navigator followed up directly with them and worked closely with local gastroenterology offices to ensure patients took the necessary steps. Even after a colorectal cancer diagnosis, our Nurse Navigator remained a constant source of support, helping patients connect with the follow-up care they needed to manage their condition.
Collaboration: Building a Strong Network
Our collaboration with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center proved to be a valuable component in our project’s success. We met with their team regularly to discuss the barriers our patients faced when it came to completing screenings and following up on abnormal results. These discussions were instrumental in understanding the challenges patients experience in accessing care and allowed us to develop practical solutions to address those issues.
Additionally, we enlisted the help of a Quality Coordinator who supported our Nurse Navigator. They identified patients who were due for screenings and reached out to them. Once the Quality Coordinator contacted the patients, their information was passed along to the Nurse Navigator, who could order the appropriate screenings.
Overcoming Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screenings
One of the most critical aspects of our work through this grant was addressing the various barriers patients face when completing CRC screenings. Some of the most common challenges we encountered included financial difficulties, lack of transportation, and misunderstandings about the importance of regular screenings. In some cases, patients had competing priorities that led them to push preventive care lower on their list of concerns. We overcame these obstacles by leveraging our transportation program and community health workers. Assistance with transportation and personalized support assisted patients in navigating these barriers. We ensured they had the resources they needed to complete their screenings.
Positive Outcomes: A 4% Increase in Screening Rates
Throughout the grant, we increased colorectal cancer screening rates by 4% in our targeted counties. While national screening rates hover around 70% and Pennsylvania’s rates are approximately 67%, this increase is a meaningful step forward in ensuring that more individuals have access to life-saving screenings. Our progress highlights the power of collaboration, education, and personalized care in improving health outcomes. It also reinforces the importance of addressing barriers to care head-on. By ensuring patients have the support they need to navigate the screening process, we assisted them in detecting colorectal cancer early. Additionally, we ensured their connection to the appropriate follow-up care.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer
As we reflect on Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, we urge everyone eligible to take the vital step of getting screened for colorectal cancer. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools for improving survival rates and lessening the impact of this disease on our communities. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to talk to your healthcare provider about the screening options available to you. Early screenings can truly save lives.
Don’t wait! If you or someone you know is due for a screening, reach out today. Contact your healthcare provider or connect with us at PHN to learn more about the options that can help you stay ahead of your health. Together, we can reduce the burden of colorectal cancer and ensure a healthier future for all in our communities.
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