Program Staff:
Carrie Klabunde, Ph.D.
National Cancer Institute
Applied Research Program
Phone: 301-402-3362
ck97b@nih.gov
Erica Breslau, Ph.D.
National Cancer Institute
Behavioral Research Program
Phone: 301-435-2839
breslaue@mail.nih.gov
David Lanier, M.D., M.P.H.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Center for Primary Care Research
Phone: 301-427-1200
dlanier@ahrq.gov
Purpose:
Although there is now consensus among expert groups in the U.S. that average-risk adults 50 years of age or older should be screened for colorectal cancer, national data show screening rates for colorectal cancer to be lower than those for breast and cervical cancer by nearly one-half or more. Primary care practice is a key point of entry for colorectal cancer screening. The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Center for Primary Care Research of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) are collaborating to invite applications focusing on research to improve the delivery, utilization, and short-term outcomes of colorectal cancer screening in primary care practice. This initiative addresses the priorities for social and behavioral and health services research identified in the NCI Colorectal Cancer Progress Review Group report issued in April 2000 (http://prg.nci.nih.gov/colorectal/finalreport.html).
Description of the Project:
This program is designed to stimulate research to improve the delivery, utilization, and short-term outcomes of colorectal cancer screening. The documented low rates of screening nation-wide indicate the need for a broad-based initiative to encourage health services, behavioral, and outcomes researchers to develop innovative research projects to increase the knowledge base for improved translation of effective colorectal cancer screening techniques into community practice. Both R21 and R01 projects will be supported by this program. The R21 mechanism facilitates focused, exploratory and development research projects, allowing investigators to test novel hypotheses or generate pilot data with relatively quick turnaround. It also provides a point of entry into the field for promising new investigators or those transitioning into colorectal cancer screening research. The inclusion of the R01 mechanism in the proposed reissuance will provide investigators with funding opportunities for larger-scale projects as well as the expertise and focused review afforded by the Special Emphasis Panel to which all applications submitted under this program announcement are assigned. A broad range of community-based primary care organizations and networks-including primary care practice-based research networks, HMOs, community health centers, large clinics or networks of community-based practices-are eligible to participate in research supported by this program.