Understanding colorectal cancer screening gaps among Veterans to improve outcomes

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

The project will combine VA encounter data, Community Care claims, and CMS claims to map current CRC screening patterns and disparities among Veterans. It aims to identify who is most at risk for missing follow-up colonoscopies after a positive stool test and to understand how much facility and within-facility factors contribute to these gaps. Working with the National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program, the team will develop an equitable risk-prediction tool to guide outreach to Veterans at highest risk. The work will include mentorship and training to build capacity in conducting quality and equity analyses for CRC screening within the VA system.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
  Palo Alto, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Nieser, Kenneth J — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
• Study coordinator: Nieser, Kenneth J

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.

  NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

• 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.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11473206

• 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.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11443461

• 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.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11399873

• 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.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11399152

• 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.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11387602

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.