Optimizing Navigation to Successful Colorectal Cancer Screening

Optimizing Navigation to Successful Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. Two major barriers to successful colorectal cancer screening are appointment keeping and proper bowel preparation. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a patient navigation program to increase colorectal cancer screening at Rush University Medical Center. The investigators hypothesize that colorectal cancer screening will be improved for subjects who utilize a patient navigator.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject deemed appropriate for colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy by a primary care physician
• Age 50 or greater or 40 or greater with family history of colorectal cancer in first degree relative
• Average risk for screening as defined as absence of symptomatic abdominal pain and active GI bleeding

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age > 75 years old
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Myocardial Infarction
• Weight greater than 350 pounds
• Anticoagulation
• Inability to speak English