The number one factor that influences a patient's decision to get screened for colon (colorectal) cancer is a recommendation from you, their healthcare provider.
Even if you already make it a practice to recommend screening for every screening-eligible patient, the evidence-based strategies and information linked below can help you improve your ability to identify and screen more patients.
The Provider Toolbox
Use the Colon Cancer Screening Provider Toolbox (PDF) to find an extensive list of the Centers for Disease Control's evidence-based strategies as outlined in The Community Guide. Strategies are organized by category, such as small media, reducing structural barriers, and patient and provider reminders. Many of these intervention categories are also effective at boosting breast and cervical cancer screening rates.
Patient reminders and educational materials
- Colonoscopy fact sheet (PDF)
Increase the number of patients that follow through with colonoscopy by mailing this fact sheet to patients 10 days after referral - Screen for Life
Order or print free flyers, brochures, and posters in English and Spanish - MIYO (Make It Your Own)
Print or create culturally appropriate postcards, flyers, brochures, posters and text messages in English and Spanish - Wordless instructions for common FIT tests
Scroll down this page to find easy to understand instructions for common FIT tests. Insert the instructions into FIT kits to make it easier for patients to complete the test - Instructions for the fecal occult blood test (PDF)
Tools and resources for primary care clinics
- US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations on Screening for Colorectal Cancer
- How to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in Practices: A Primary Care Clinician's Evidenced-Based Toolbox and Guide
Use this guide to find evidenced-based tools, sample templates, and strategies - Steps for Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: A Manual for Community Health Centers (PDF)
Learn how to implement processes that will reduce physician workload and increase colorectal cancer screening in community health centers - Continuing education e-modules
Enroll in CDC's e-modules for primary care providers and endoscopists to learn how to optimize screening while earning continuing education credit - 80% by 2018 Communications Guidebook: Effective messaging to reach the unscreened
Make screening messages that resonate, with tested messages and template communications, including social media posts and banner ads - Clinician's Reference: Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT)
Evidence-based information on stool test screening - FluFIT & FluFOBT
Learn how to screen more patients by offering stool tests to patients at the time of their annual flu shots