Improving colorectal cancer screening for Alaska Native people using a new stool DNA test
Official title: Randomized controlled trial of the stool DNA test to improve colorectal cancer screening among Alaska Native people
Funded at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium · NIH-10918041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new at-home stool DNA test for colorectal cancer to see if it can help more people in Alaska Native communities get screened and reduce cancer deaths, all while working closely with local health organizations to make sure it fits their needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Anchorage, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $407,473 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA247642-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Alaska Native individuals who are eligible for colorectal cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Alaska Native or those who have already been adequately screened for colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a new at-home stool DNA screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC) among Alaska Native communities, where screening rates are notably low. The study aims to determine if this test can increase screening participation and ultimately reduce CRC-related deaths. It employs a community-based participatory research approach, collaborating with local Tribal health organizations to ensure the research is culturally appropriate and relevant. The research will assess the feasibility and acceptability of the test within the unique healthcare delivery system of Alaska Native populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates among Alaska Native people, leading to earlier detection and improved survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the stool DNA test has shown promise in other populations, this specific application within Alaska Native communities is novel and has not been previously tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Anchorage, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Redwood, Diana — Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- Study coordinator: Redwood, Diana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
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Making colorectal cancer screening easier and more likely to happen
This project uses default options, simpler choices, and direct outreach to help average-risk adults who are overdue complete colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy or stool tests.
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AI/AN Tailoring of a Home-Based Cervical and Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
A tailored, home-based cancer screening program helps AI/AN adults screen for cervical and colorectal cancer from home using self-collection tests and culturally aligned education.
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Bringing colorectal cancer screening to adults 45–54 who haven’t been screened
A grant to help low-income adults aged 45–54 start colorectal cancer screening through the Boston area’s community health centers.
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Increasing follow-up colonoscopies after a positive FIT in community clinics
Aims to help people with abnormal stool tests for colorectal cancer get timely follow-up colonoscopies in safety-net clinics.
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Colorectal cancer screening with real-time imaging that may replace sedated scopes
Researchers are testing a new imaging method called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to spot and treat colon polyps without the need for sedation during a screening colonoscopy.
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.