Best way to start colon cancer screening earlier

Optimal early colorectal cancer screening initiation

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11251956

Finding better ways to encourage colon cancer screening for adults aged 45–49 so cancers can be found earlier.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11251956 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

I would be part of work focused on people who just became eligible for screening at ages 45–49 to learn what helps or stops them from getting screened. Researchers will collect patient input and data on barriers like insurance, access, and awareness and try outreach approaches such as reminders or targeted messages. The project will focus on groups with higher burdens or lower screening rates, including Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, uninsured, and Medicaid populations. The aim is to design a tailored screening plan clinics can use to reach younger adults and reduce inequities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are average-risk adults aged 45 to 49 who have not yet started regular colorectal cancer screening, especially those in underserved racial/ethnic or uninsured/Medicaid groups.

Not a fit: People already regularly screened, those younger than 45 or older than 49, and individuals with known high genetic or medical risk who follow different screening plans are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more people aged 45–49 get screened earlier, leading to earlier detection and fewer deaths from colon cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Outreach programs have improved screening in older adults, but applying targeted approaches specifically to the newly eligible 45–49 age group is relatively new and not well tested.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.