Toolkit for improving colon cancer screening in rural areas

Implementing Multilevel Colon Cancer Screening Interventions to Reduce Rural Cancer Disparities

Not applicable Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT04651504

This study is testing a new toolkit to help people in rural Southern Illinois get better follow-up care after positive colon cancer screening tests to reduce cancer deaths in these communities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment83663 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT04651504 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to enhance follow-up rates for positive fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in rural Southern Illinois, where cancer disparities exist. By implementing a colorectal cancer screening toolkit, the study seeks to coordinate care among primary care clinics and address barriers to screening in underserved populations. The approach involves collaboration between academic institutions and community health systems to create a model for effective multilevel interventions in rural settings. The goal is to improve colorectal cancer screening follow-up and ultimately reduce mortality rates in these communities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 45-75 who are patients at the selected primary care clinic sites in rural Southern Illinois.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 45 or older than 75 years of age, or those not affiliated with the selected primary care clinics, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly increase colon cancer screening follow-up rates, leading to earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar multilevel intervention approaches in urban settings, but this specific focus on rural populations is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Primary Care Clinic Sites

* Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) affiliated with Southern Illinois Healthcare

Exclusion Criteria for Primary Care Clinic Sites

* Not a part of the PHO

Inclusion Criteria for Physicians and Staff at Primary Care Clinic Sites

* Employment at the relevant clinic at the time of the study

Exclusion Criteria for Physicians and Staff at Primary Care Clinic Sites

* Not employed at the relevant clinic at the time of the study

Inclusion Criteria for Patients

* Age 45-75 during the study period
* Must be patient of the selected primary care clinic sites

Exclusion Criteria for Patients

* Younger than 45 years of age or older than 75 years of age during the study period
* Not a patient of the selected primary care clinic sites

Inclusion Criteria for Community Members

* Age 45-75 at the time of the health fair or screening event
* Able to undergo stool testing as determined by SIH staff at the health fair or screening event

Exclusion Criteria for Community Members

* Younger than 45 years of age or older than 75 years of age
* Unable to undergo stool testing

Where this trial is running

Saint Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colon Cancer Screening
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.