Improving decisions for colorectal cancer screening based on life expectancy
Official title: Improving colorectal cancer screening decisions through consideration of life expectancy
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11047229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help doctors make better decisions about colorectal cancer screening for older adults aged 76 to 85 by taking into account how long they might live, so that patients can get the right care based on their health and needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $625,452 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG086247-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults aged 76 to 85 who are considering colorectal cancer screening and have varying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with a life expectancy of less than 10 years may not benefit from this research as the focus is on optimizing screening for those who are likely to live longer.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance colorectal cancer screening decisions by considering patients' life expectancy, particularly for those aged 76 to 85. It addresses the challenge that many physicians face in determining whether older adults should undergo screening, given the risks and benefits involved. The study will develop clinical decision support tools to help physicians make informed choices about screening for patients with varying health statuses and life expectancies. By focusing on individual patient circumstances, the research seeks to optimize screening practices and reduce unnecessary procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective colorectal cancer screening recommendations, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that personalized approaches to cancer screening can improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this study's focus on life expectancy is a promising and relevant area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Kathryn Anne — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Kathryn Anne
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.