Welcome to the latest edition of CRC News, the American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT) periodic newsletter for ACS NCCRT members working toward our shared goal to reach 80% in Every Community.

Early Bird Registration Extended:

Register for the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting by Sept. 13 to Lock in the Early Bird Rate

We hope you are planning to join us at the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting on November 15-17 in Houston, Texas! Be sure to complete your registration by Friday, September 13 at 11:59 PM ET to receive the early bird rate of $300 before the regular rate of $350 goes into effect on September 14. 

To register, look for your email invitation from “The NCCRT Team” in your inbox or spam/junk folders. Please be sure to enter the email address at which you received your registration invitation email to avoid receiving an error message. Visit the meeting webpage to view the working agenda and learn about sponsorship opportunities. 

Consensus Letter Sign-On Opportunity

ACS and ACS CAN Consensus Letter Supports CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposal to Expand Coverage for Patient Navigation

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in partnership with the ACS National Navigation Roundtable, are offering an opportunity to sign a consensus letter in support of the CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, which includes increased access to patient navigation services through reimbursement in Medicare.  

If your organization wishes to sign on after reading the letter, please complete the following ACS CAN CMS Sign-on Letter form by Friday, September 8, 2023, at 12pm ET. 

If you have any questions regarding the consensus letter, please contact Gladys Arias, Principal, Health Equity Policy Analysis & Legislative Support, ACS CAN, at Gladys.Arias@cancer.org.  

USPSTF Announcement:

Draft Research Plan for Lynch Syndrome Will Not Move Directly into the Final Research Plan Stage

Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) posted for public comment draft research plans on prevention of lynch syndrome–related cancer in adults. Last week, the USPSTF announced: “While we care deeply about learning more about this topic, the Task Force has determined that it will not move directly into the final research plan stage and evidence review at this time.” Learn more on the USPSTF website.  

Registration Open for Our Next Blue Star Conversation:

Recent Updates, Research & Resources to Support Increased Colorectal Cancer Screening in Community Health Centers

We hope you will register to participate in the ACS NCCRT’s next Blue Star Conversation, a series of one-hour programs that feature a brief and topical presentation or interview followed by small group member discussions and regrouping for key takeaways, which will take place Monday, September 11, 2023 from 3:00-4:00 PM ET.  

This program will feature a brief presentation by Daniel Reuland, MD, MPH of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center on findings from a recent study on CRC screening after mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach in a newly eligible 45-49-year-old community health center population. Speakers will also provide updates on trends in CRC screening in community health centers and recently released resources to support health center work to increase CRC screening.  

Registration is open to NCCRT members and CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program and Comprehensive Cancer Control Program grantees. View the full speaker list and additional information.

Many thanks for the great work you do!

The NCCRT Team

Dear ACS NCCRT Members,

We shared last week that Dr. Robert Smith is stepping down as the ACS NCCRT Steering Committee Vice-Chair, a role he’s served in since 1997. We are grateful for his service and pleased he will continue to support our work by serving as ACS NCCRT’s Senior Scientific Advisor.

Call for Nominations for ACS NCCRT Vice Chair

The ACS NCCRT will now begin working with our members, Steering Committee, and Nominating Committee to identify a new Vice Chair to serve with ACS NCCRT Chair, Dr. Steven Itzkowitz. The term of office for the Vice-Chair will be a three (3) year renewable term (up to two consecutive terms) starting November 16, 2023. Please click the link below to share your interest in submitting a nomination (for yourself or a colleague) by 12pm ET on September 18, 2023, and please reach out to Kaitlin Sylvester at Kaitlin.Sylvester@cancer.org with questions. Below is additional information regarding the nomination process, benefits to serving as Vice-Chair, and general responsibilities.

Process for Selecting a New Vice Chair

• Nominees must currently serve on the Roundtable through an ACS NCCRT member organization.
• Representatives from our Corporate Associates may not serve on the Steering Committee, but they may nominate other candidates.
• Nominees can be self-selected or nominated by a colleague, preferably from a participating ACS NCCRT member.
• Nominees are asked to submit a Statement of Interest (1,000 word maximum) along with a CV by 12pm ET on September 18, 2023.
• The ACS NCCRT Nominating Committee will review nominations and may request an interview with the nominees, as needed.
• The Nominating Committee prepares a recommended slate, which is emailed to ACS NCCRT members on behalf of the Steering Committee. The slate will be sent to the Roundtable membership before the Annual Meeting (the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting will take place November 15-17, 2023, in Houston, Texas).
• The slate will be voted on at the Annual Meeting on November 16, 2023. A majority vote of the membership is required to approve the slate.

Benefits

• Demonstrate national leadership and vision in furthering the cause of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection in the United States.
• Opportunity to influence the Roundtable’s direction and progress on its shared life-saving mission.
• Work closely with the Steering Committee members, who are themselves an exceptional group of leaders who generate a lot of energy, momentum, and good ideas on critical issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assume the role of Chair when needed.
• Carry out responsibilities as requested by the Chair.
• Cultivate excellent working relationships with community leaders involved in this initiative in a way that can inspire collective action.
• Serve as a subject matter expert.
• Support and offer guidance to ACS NCCRT staff members to manage and implement the projects and activities of the Roundtable.
• Represent the Roundtable externally via the media, collaborations, presentations, and advisory committees.
• Cultivate a focus on ACS NCCRT’s health equity principles through seeking diverse membership, fostering conditions for everyone to be included, engaging in the community, and using data to understand disparities and develop Roundtable strategies.
• Identify potential funding sources to support the Roundtable’s goals and priorities.
• Build ACS NCCRT’s identity as a respected, neutral convener among a broad spectrum of national partners.
• Assist in recruiting high-level professionals and volunteers to lead and participate in activities and committees including the Steering Committee and Strategic Priority Teams.

Many thanks for the great work you do!

The NCCRT Team

 

Dear NCCRT Members:

We are pleased to share with you a few updates to inform your colorectal cancer screening work.

Early Bird Registration Open for the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting

We hope you are planning to join us at the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting on November 15-17 in Houston, Texas! Be sure to complete your registration by Friday, September 8 at 11:59 PM ET to receive the early bird rate of $300 before the regular rate of $350 goes into effect on September 9.

We are excited to share with you our working, snapshot agenda. We will share agenda updates and additional information about the meeting in the coming weeks.

Registration Tips:

• ACS NCCRT members should have received an invitation to register from the “The NCCRT Team” today.
• Please check your spam/junk email if you are having trouble locating it.
• When you register, please be sure to enter the email address at which you received your registration invitation email to avoid receiving an error message.

Most member organizations and corporate associates send one or two member representatives to the meeting, but we can accommodate up to four representatives to attend. Please email nccrt@cancer.org if you did not receive your invitation, or to let us know if your member representatives have changed.

Lastly, we would greatly appreciate it if you would consider sponsoring the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting! Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and recognition on our website.

Many thanks for the great work you do!

The NCCRT Team

Dear NCCRT Members & 80% Partners:

We are pleased to share with you a couple updates to inform your colorectal cancer screening work.

Response to New American College of Physicians CRC Screening Guidance

Last week, the American College of Physicians (ACP) issued updated guidance for colorectal cancer screening for asymptomatic, average-risk adults that suggests starting screening at age 50 with a choice of limited CRC screening tests. This guidance contrasts with the now near unanimous support for initiating CRC screening in average-risk adults at age 45 with a range of CRC screening test options, as recommended by the American Cancer Society in 2018 and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in 2021.

When the ACS NCCRT’s membership faced a discrepancy in the recommended age at which to start CRC screening in the major guidelines in 2018 (at the time that the ACS first proposed screening at age 45 the USPSTF recommendation was 50), the NCCRT convened a strategic meeting to consider how we promote CRC screening when recommendations differ. The group developed a guideline statement that emphasizes inclusivity (“The NCCRT supports member organizations in advancing their life saving missions around colorectal cancer screening, no matter which colorectal cancer screening recommendations they choose to follow…” – see link to Draft Guideline Position Statement on this webpage), which we believe served our members well as they navigated the shift toward screening in a landscape of mixed coverage. However, screening at age 45 is now nearly universally covered by public and private insurers in the US. At the same time, the evidence continues to indicate incidence trends are rapidly shifting the patient population younger; 20% (1 in 5) of CRCs in 2019 were in people 54 years or younger, up from 11% (1 in 10) in 1995.

Numerous ACS NCCRT members have issued statements opposing ACPs new guidance, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American Gastroenterological Association, and a group of national CRC advocacy organizations. Fight CRC is also offering an opportunity to sign on to a letter to the President of ACP, which will close for signatures EOD Friday, August 11th.

The ACS NCCRT continues to support the impressive progress our members have made in recent years to promote CRC screening for average risk patients start promptly at 45. We feel strongly that this will translate into an impactful reduction in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer.

Call for Applicants for Catalyst State-by-State Advocacy Program

ACS NCCRT member Fight Colorectal Cancer is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Catalyst State-by-State Advocacy Program. The Catalyst program provides financial and technical support to coalitions that are working to advance both big P and small p policy change at the state level. The program has supported eight states (NE, TX, RI, NY, NJ, AR, CA, IN) in passing legislation ensuring access to colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and removing out of pocket costs for colonoscopy following a positive non-invasive test. The Catalyst Program has also supported coalitions in their efforts to secure colorectal cancer screening as a quality measure for Medicaid and to allow for pharmacists to prescribe non-invasive screening tests. Fight CRC is excited to welcome a new round of Catalyst grantees for 2024-2025 and will be accepting applications now through September 1, 2023. Please find additional information about the Catalyst program, grant benefits and requirements as well as the application HERE. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please reach out to Fight CRC’s Director of Advocacy, Molly McDonnell, at molly@fightcrc.org.

Exact Sciences Announces Request for Proposal to FOCUS Program

Exact Sciences, an ACS NCCRT corporate associate member, released a Request for Proposal to the Fall 2023 Funding Opportunities for CRC Screening Uptake Strategies- “FOCUS” Program. The linked Request for Proposal outlines all the details necessary to determine eligibility and criteria for applying. Currently funded FOCUS grantees are not eligible to apply but are encouraged to share this opportunity with others who may be interested. An informational webinar to learn more about the application process will be held on August 9th at 1:00 PM ET. Applications for RFP FOCUS2-23 will be accepted from July 12, 2023 – September 7, 2023, at 12:59 PM ET. Should you have any additional questions you may email Meg Fischer mfischer@exactsciences.com.

ICYMI: 10 Exemplary Primary Care Practice Site Case Studies

The influence of a clinician can be the driving force in getting screened for colorectal cancer. Our CRC screening toolkit for primary care, Steps for Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: A Manual for Primary Care Practices, provides resources and tactics to increase CRC screening rates. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the 10 newly added case studies that profile lessons learned and best practices from seven community health centers and three private primary care practices.

Many thanks for the great work you do!

The NCCRT Team

Dear NCCRT Members & 80% Partners:

We are pleased to share with you a couple updates to inform your colorectal cancer screening work.

Released Today: 10 Exemplary Primary Care Practice Site Case Studies 

Today, we are excited to announce the release of ten exemplary case studies to serve as a supplement to the Steps for Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: A Manual for Primary Care Practices. These new case studies are based on interviews conducted by the ACS NCCRT with ten diverse primary care health systems that had made achievements in increasing their colorectal screening rates. They cover these health systems’ key innovations and strategies implemented in their specific populations as well as lessons learned. Much of the content is in their own words and the ACS NCCRT thanks them for sharing their stories.

The case studies profile the work of the following seven Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and three non-FQHC primary health systems:

• Allegheny Health Network Premier Medical Associates
• Coal Country Community Health Center
• East Boston Neighborhood Center
• Family and Medical Counseling Service, Inc.
• Mercy Health System
• NOELA Community Health Center
• North Hudson Community Action Corporation
• Sanford Health
• Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
• Zufall Health Community Health Center

We encourage you to check out the updated Steps Guide with case studies and share widely with partners to provide real-world examples of how they too can increase colorectal cancer screening rates in primary care.

Spread the Word: Retweet from @NCCRTnews, and visit the webpage to find a promotional video, sample social media posts, template newsletter blurbs, and shareable graphics and animations.

Acknowledgements: The ACS NCCRT would like to thank the numerous people who generously offered their time and expertise to the development of the Steps guide and these case studies. The ACS NCCRT is especially grateful to the advisory committee, to HealthEfficient for serving as the lead author, and to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for their support.

Click here to view the Steps Guide and Case Studies

Welcome to our Newest ACS NCCRT Members:

We are pleased to announce the addition of six new ACS NCCRT member organizations:

• Association of Community Cancer Centers
• La Familia Health
• Mississippi Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
• Ohio Association of Community Health Centers
• Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
• Natera (Corporate Associate)

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to these new members!

Interested in applying for membership? Visit our website to learn about criteria for membership and to apply.

Many thanks for the great work you do!

The NCCRT Team

Dear NCCRT Members & 80% Partners:

We are pleased to share with you a few updates to inform your colorectal cancer screening work.

ACS NCCRT Partners with AMGA on New CRC Learning Collaborative

Today, the AMGA Foundation, an ACS NCCRT member, announced the launch of a 22-month initiative focused on helping medical groups develop and implement strategies to increase colorectal cancer screening rates among all average-risk patients age 45-75. The initiative is designed to provide a platform for participating organizations to improve their rate of complete colorectal cancer screening through the development and implementation of quality improvement projects, best practices sharing, and peer-to-peer learning.

The ACS NCCRT is proud to serve as a formal partner to support the efforts. “Proactive, population-based approaches to deliver timely colorectal cancer screening are crucial to saving lives from colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. “It is through partnerships like this that we can catalyze action around colorectal cancer prevention and early detection and save more lives from this disease.”

View the press release to learn more about the goals of the initiative and about the 20 medical groups and health systems that were selected to participate.

New 80% in Every Community Campaign Talking Points

Are you new to 80% in Every Community, our shared goal of reaching colorectal cancer screening rates of 80% and higher in communities across the nation? Or are you a longtime supporter looking for plug-and-play language to pitch the shared goal to your partners? We have just the tools for you! Visit the campaign webpage to find our newly updated campaign talking points, which you are welcome to use and adapt in your work to advance our shared goal.

2023 Annual Meeting Registration to Launch in August

Members: We hope you are already saving the date for our 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting, which will take place Nov. 15-17 in Houston, TX. We will share further details on the agenda, hotel, registration, and sponsorship opportunities in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, please mark your calendars!

Not currently a member? It’s not too late to apply! Learn more about NCCRT membership.

Southeastern Colorectal Cancer Consortium Meeting a Success!

The ACS NCCRT staff were thrilled to convene with numerous members and partners at the Southeastern Colorectal Cancer Consortium in Norfolk, VA last week. Kudos to the meeting planners for putting together a fantastic agenda! We were pleased to have a poster accepted our on recently updated resource, Steps For Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: A Manual For Primary Care Practices.

Many thanks for the great work you do!

The NCCRT Team

Dear NCCRT Members:
We are excited to share with you a few updates to inform your colorectal cancer screening work.

It’s not too late to register for our next Blue Star Conversation!

 

The NCCRT will be hosting our latest Blue Star Conversation on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. This one-hour long program will feature a brief presentation by Elizabeth Ciemins, PhD, MPH, MA, Vice President of Research and Analytics at AMGA (American Medical Group Association), on rates of follow-up colonoscopy after a positive (abnormal) stool-based screening test, followed by small and large group discussions among attendees. Hosted by the NCCRT Professional Education & Practice Implementation (PEPI) Strategic Priority Team, this interactive and engaging program is open to NCCRT members and CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program and Comprehensive Cancer Control Program grantees.
Do you need to update your NCCRT member representatives? Or are you unsure of who is on our lists? Please email nccrt@cancer.org. To register, click this link. 

Save the Date for the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting!

We hope you are saving the dates to join us for the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting on November 15-17. We are planning to meet in-person in Houston, Texas. We will share further details on the agenda, registration, hotel, and sponsorship opportunities in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, please mark your calendars! Updates will be shared in this newsletter and on the event webpage.

Upcoming Member Events

• The University of Texas MD Anderson is hosting a Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer (YOCRC) Virtual Patient Conference Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT. The primary target audience includes YOCRC patients, families and caregivers, while the entire colorectal cancer community is invited to tune into this virtual conference. Learn more and register.
• The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 2023 Prevent Cancer Dialogue will be held virtually as a series of two webcast summits addressing innovations and health equity in cancer prevention and early detection. Registration for each virtual summit is separate and free of charge.
  • Summit 1: Addressing Community-Level Disparities in Cancer Prevention and Early Detection – Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM ET.
  • Summit 2: Harnessing the Power of Innovation to Improve Cancer Prevention and Early Detection – Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM ET.
• Registration is open for the 7th annual Southeastern Colorectal Cancer Consortium Conference June 21-23, 2023 in Norfolk, Virginia. Poster abstract submissions are due April 28, 2023.

Many thanks for the great work you do!

The NCCRT Team

Dear NCCRT Members:
We are excited to share with you several updates to inform your colorectal cancer screening work.

Save the Date for the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting!

We hope you will save the dates to join us for the 2023 ACS NCCRT Annual Meeting on November 15-17. We are thrilled to share that we’re planning to meet in-person in Houston, Texas. We will share further details on the agenda, registration, hotel, and sponsorship opportunities in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, please mark your calendars! Updates will be shared in this newsletter and on the event webpage.

Registration is open for our Next Blue Star Conversation!

 

We are excited to announce NCCRT will be hosting our latest Blue Star Conversation on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET. This one-hour long program will feature a brief presentation by Elizabeth Ciemins, PhD, MPH, MA, Senior Director of Research and Analytics at AMGA (American Medical Group Association), on rates of follow-up colonoscopy after a positive (abnormal) stool-based screening test, followed by small and large group discussions among attendees. Hosted by the NCCRT Professional Education & Practice Implementation (PEPI) Strategic Priority Team, this interactive and engaging program is open to NCCRT members and CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program and Comprehensive Cancer Control Program grantees.
Do you need to update your NCCRT member representatives? Or are you unsure of who is on our lists? Please email nccrt@cancer.org. To register, click this link. 

Replay Available: 2023 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Webcast

Did you miss our annual Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Webcast on March 23, 2023? Now you can view the slides and watch the reply! Watch the webcast to learn about national achievements and to hear the latest state of the field updates that inform our work.

Interested in Joining an ACS NCCRT Committee?

The ACS NCCRT is seeking an NCCRT member to join the Membership Committee, the committee that reviews NCCRT membership applications and makes recommendations for membership to the NCCRT Steering Committee. Membership committee members work independently to review a small batch of applicants every 4-6 weeks, with occasional group calls. If you’re interested in putting your name forward for this committee or for future open opportunities, please email nccrt@cancer.org with your name, experience with NCCRT, and interest in this role.

National Cancer Institute Releases National Cancer Plan

Earlier this month, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) announced the release of the National Cancer Plan, which aims to provide a framework for everyone—across the federal government and all of society—to collaborate in ending cancer as we know it. It also outlines goals designed to support the aims of the Cancer Moonshot and provides a framework for ways to meaningfully contribute to achieving these goals.
The plan has three elements:

• Eight goals to prevent cancer, reduce deaths from cancer, and ensure the best possible quality of life for people living with cancer
• A set of strategies associated with each goal, describing essential research and other activities needed to maximize benefits for everyone
• A call to action that is also at the center of the Cancer Moonshot: that everyone—every organization and individual—do their part to help end cancer as we know it

Learn how the American Cancer Society and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, commit to working alongside the Moonshot Initiative to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families: American Cancer Society Statement: White House’s Cancer Moonshot National Cancer Plan.

NACDD Releases New Mailed FIT Online Course

With support from CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control and Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) has launched a Mailed Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Online Course to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates in diverse healthcare settings.
The free online course provides healthcare professionals with easy-to-access information in video form. The videos cover all phases of a mailed FIT outreach program, including getting started, selecting a FIT kit, population selection, advance notifications, mailing FIT kits, sending reminders, processing received samples, following up on abnormal results, and sustaining the program.
The Mailed FIT Online Course gives step-by-step instructions on how to design and implement a successful Mailed FIT outreach program, including clinic preparation, a flowchart of operational steps, and recommendations for follow-up. The course also provides testimonial videos from three clinics and includes a variety of helpful resources for implementing mailed FIT programs, a companion workbook, and a messages guide for use in promoting the training to partners.
The ACS NCCRT is proud to have supported the development of this resource as a member of the advisory group.

Upcoming Member Events

• The University of Texas MD Anderson is hosting a Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer (YOCRC) Virtual Patient Conference Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT. The primary target audience includes YOCRC patients, families and caregivers, while the entire colorectal cancer community is invited to tune into this virtual conference. Learn more and register.
• The Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 2023 Prevent Cancer Dialogue will be held virtually as a series of two webcast summits addressing innovations and health equity in cancer prevention and early detection. Registration for each virtual summit is separate and free of charge.
  • Summit 1: Addressing Community-Level Disparities in Cancer Prevention and Early Detection – Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM ET.
  • Summit 2: Harnessing the Power of Innovation to Improve Cancer Prevention and Early Detection – Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM ET.
• Registration is open for the 7th annual Southeastern Colorectal Cancer Consortium Conference June 21-23, 2023 in Norfolk, Virginia. Poster abstract submissions are due April 28, 2023.

Many thanks for the great work you do!

The NCCRT Team