Integrating CRC Screening into Primary Care Practice

In the final episode, ‘Integrating CRC Screening into Primary Care Practice,’ the panelists discuss best practices for incorporating colorectal cancer (CRC) screening into routine primary care workflows. As screening recommendations evolve and the burden of CRC increases, particularly among younger patients, clinicians must adopt proactive, systematic approaches to ensure timely and consistent screening.

The discussion focuses on embedding screening into everyday practice through team-based care and workflow optimization. At the start of the visit, healthcare teams can leverage electronic health record prompts and standing orders to identify patients due for screening and initiate the process. This “default to screening” mindset helps normalize CRC screening as a standard component of preventive care, similar to vaccinations or chronic disease management.

The expert faculty also highlights the role of clinical judgment, particularly in younger patients who may present with subtle or nonspecific symptoms. They emphasize the need to remain vigilant and avoid dismissing potential warning signs, even when initial screening tests are negative. Colonoscopy, as the gold standard, remains essential not only for cancer detection but also for identifying other gastrointestinal conditions that may require intervention. The panel underscores the importance of patient education, shared decision-making, and maintaining clinical curiosity. By combining structured workflows with individualized care, primary care clinicians can improve screening uptake, detect disease earlier, and optimize patient outcomes in an increasingly complex screening landscape. Thank you for watching this peers and perspectives series on colorectal cancer screening. Please subscribe to our newsletter for information on upcoming video series.