Improving colorectal cancer screening for underserved populations
Official title: Bridging the gap: Delivering Equitable Colorectal Cancer Screening
Funded at Medstar Health Research Institute · NIH-10933504 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping Black individuals get screened for colorectal cancer more often, as they are at higher risk, by providing support and guidance through the healthcare system to make the process easier and more accessible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medstar Health Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hyattsville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $493,920 |
| NIH project number | 5R18HS029807-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933504 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 45-75, particularly those from historically marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the recommended age range or those not belonging to underserved populations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on increasing colorectal cancer screening rates among historically marginalized populations, particularly Black individuals who face higher mortality rates due to lower screening rates. It employs a patient navigation approach, which involves guiding patients through the healthcare system to ensure they receive timely screenings. The study will utilize mixed methods and engage community organizations to adapt the intervention to fit the specific needs of diverse racial and ethnic groups. By addressing systemic and interpersonal factors that affect healthcare access, the research aims to promote health equity in colorectal cancer screening.
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 gone: Previous research has shown that patient navigation can effectively improve screening rates in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medstar Health Research Institute
Hyattsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arem, Hannah — Medstar Health Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Arem, Hannah
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.