Improving colorectal cancer screening in rural clinics
Official title: Implementing evidence based colorectal cancer screening in rural clinics
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11011364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help more people in rural areas get screened for colorectal cancer by sending them easy-to-use home tests and providing support to help them follow up with necessary doctor visits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $644,142 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276659-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011364 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in rural areas who are at risk for colorectal cancer and have not been screened according to recommended guidelines.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live in urban areas or those who have already been screened for colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on increasing colorectal cancer screening rates in rural areas, where the incidence and mortality rates are significantly higher compared to urban populations. It aims to implement an evidence-based intervention that combines mailed fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) with patient navigation to encourage follow-up diagnostic colonoscopies. By evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies, the research seeks to identify ways to overcome barriers to screening in rural clinics and improve patient outcomes. The project will also assess the cost-effectiveness of these interventions to ensure sustainable implementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased colorectal cancer screening rates, ultimately reducing mortality and improving early detection in rural populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar evidence-based interventions can effectively increase screening rates, suggesting a promising approach for this project.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Champion, Victoria Lee — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Champion, Victoria Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.