Improving CRC Screening Adherence in Primary Care

In ‘Improving CRC Screening Adherence in Primary Care,’ our panel discusses practical strategies to improve adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, including the importance of patient education, workflow optimization, and flexibility in screening approaches. Despite the availability of multiple screening modalities, ensuring that patients complete recommended testing remains a persistent challenge.

The expert faculty highlight the role of clear patient communication in improving adherence. Educating patients on why screening is necessary, how tests are performed, and when they should be repeated empowers them to take a more active role in their care. Tools such as electronic health record alerts and patient portals further support adherence by reminding both clinicians and patients when screening is due and facilitating timely follow-up.

The panel also examines home-based stool tests as convenient options that can improve completion rates by offering flexibility and privacy. Automated reminders, mailed kits, and simplified workflows help reduce barriers and encourage follow-through. However, not all patients complete stool-based testing, underscoring the need for alternative options, including blood-based tests, for those who are unwilling or unable to use stool-based methods. By leveraging multiple tools and maintaining patient-centered communication, primary care clinicians can improve screening uptake and support more effective CRC prevention.

Our next episode, ‘Managing CRC Screening in Everyday Practice,’ panelists examine how to integrate CRC screening into routine primary care, highlighting how effective use of system tools and proactive communication can reduce logistical and financial barriers and improve adherence.