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Colorectal cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The good news is that regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and proactive care can significantly reduce the risk. In fact, Colorectal cancer has a 90% five-year survival rate when detected at an early stage through routine screenings.
Despite the life-saving benefits of early detection, screening rates remain lower than they should be. While colonoscopy—the gold-standard screening test—is performed on roughly 15 million people in the U.S. annually, millions more who are eligible are not getting screened as recommended. Barriers such as lack of awareness, healthcare access, and patient hesitation contribute to this gap. This is where primary care providers play a critical role.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death among Americans. The gold-standard screening test, colonoscopy, is performed on roughly 15 million people in the US every year.
HARVARD HEALTH
Primary care providers are essential in preventive healthcare. As the first point of contact, they play a key role in educating patients about colorectal cancer screening, addressing their concerns, and facilitating timely referrals for preventive tests. By providing guidance, they help patients overcome common obstacles like fear, misconceptions, and limited access to screenings.
In a value-based care model, the emphasis moves from responding to illness to actively preventing it through patient-centered care. This shift allows primary care providers to take a proactive role in ensuring that essential screenings, like those for colorectal cancer, are prioritized and not overlooked. By leveraging data insights, coordinating care effectively, and engaging patients in their health, primary care providers can close screening gaps, improve early detection, and ultimately save lives.
As we observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, it’s a crucial time to recognize how primary care providers are at the forefront of reducing colorectal cancer risks through proactive care, education, and early detection. Value-based care models play a key role in empowering providers to close screening gaps, identify patients at higher risk, and ensure timely screenings—all of which contribute to improved outcomes.
By utilizing data-driven insights, effective care coordination, and a focus on population health, primary care providers can integrate preventive screenings into routine care, ultimately fostering healthier communities and a more resilient healthcare system.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters
While primary care providers play a critical role in ensuring that screenings happen, it’s important to understand why these screenings matter so much. Screenings can detect colorectal cancer early, often before symptoms appear, leading to a more effective treatment with better outcomes. Screenings may also identify precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they develop into cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults must begin regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. People with a family history or other risk factors may need to start even earlier.
Who Is at Risk?
While age is a significant risk factor, other factors can increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer, including:
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- A diet rich in red and processed meats
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
Netrin Health: Supporting Prevention with a Value-Based Care Approach
At Netrin Health, we understand that preventing colorectal cancer requires a holistic approach. Beyond regular screenings, it’s essential to address underlying health conditions, provide mental health support, and overcome barriers to care. Our comprehensive care model integrates multiple services that not only focus on colorectal cancer prevention but also support overall health management. Here’s how we help:
- Chronic Care Management (CCM): Many patients at risk for colorectal cancer may also suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or obesity. Through our CCM services, we ensure these patients stay on top of their screenings, lifestyle modifications, and preventive measures.
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): For patients managing other chronic conditions, our RPM services track health data in real-time, allowing providers to monitor overall health trends and recommend necessary screenings and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Advance Care Planning: Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable, but having a care plan in place is crucial for those who are diagnosed. Our Advance Care Planning services help patients make informed decisions about their long-term health and treatment preferences.
- Behavioral Health Support: A cancer diagnosis or high-risk screening results can be stressful. Through our Behavioral Health support, we offer mental health care to patients managing chronic illnesses or undergoing preventive screenings.
- Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Screening: Many barriers, such as transportation, financial concerns, or lack of access to nutritious food, can impact a person’s ability to get screened or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our SDOH programs address these challenges, ensuring that every patient has the resources they need to stay healthy.
Take Action: Prioritize Colorectal Cancer Screening in Your Practice
Primary care providers play a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. It’s critical to encourage patients who are 45 or older—or those at increased risk—to schedule their screenings. Early detection through routine screenings is one of the most effective tools in saving lives and preventing cancer progression.
At Netrin Health, we support healthcare providers by offering the tools, technology, and resources needed to enhance patient care and improve outcomes. Let’s collaborate to make colorectal cancer prevention a top priority for your patients this March and beyond.
Interested in learning more about how we can support your efforts? Contact us to discover how our value-based care programs can help your practice provide better care and better outcomes.