Improving access to colorectal cancer screening through pharmacies
Expanding access to colorectal cancer screening through community pharmacies: The PharmFIT study
This study is looking at how we can make it easier for people in underserved communities to get screened for colorectal cancer by offering simple tests at local pharmacies, so they don’t have to go to a doctor’s office, and then helping those who test positive get the follow-up care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11018612 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance colorectal cancer screening for underserved populations by utilizing community pharmacies to distribute fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). The approach involves making these tests available in pharmacies, where patients can easily access them without the need for a traditional medical visit. By following up positive test results with diagnostic colonoscopies, the study seeks to reduce colorectal cancer mortality rates. The project will evaluate how effective and feasible this pharmacy-based intervention is in real-world settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from medically underserved communities who are at risk for colorectal cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who are already receiving regular colorectal cancer screenings or those who do not have access to community pharmacies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates and reduce mortality among underserved populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using non-traditional healthcare settings for cancer screening, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brenner, Alison T — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Brenner, Alison T
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.