Epidemiologic and Behavioral Research

CDC is supporting epidemiologic and behavioral science research efforts related to colorectal cancer, such as:

• Evaluating national and state colorectal cancer screening capacity to meet increasing demands for and costs of colorectal cancer screening and follow-up examinations, by surveying healthcare providers with endoscopic equipment for use in sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.



• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting colorectal cancer screening rates from ongoing national surveillance systems, such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the National Health Interview Survey.



• Analyzing and reporting nationally representative data on physician and health system factors that may influence screening and diagnostic follow-up in community practice, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.



• Assessing the validity of self-reported colorectal cancer screening among members of three health maintenance organizations: Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, and Health Partners Minneapolis.



• Examining whether patients with stage III (late-stage) colon cancer have received recommended therapy and assessing the quality of data collected from nine state cancer registries on colorectal cancer treatment.



• Collaborating with the American Cancer Society to facilitate the development of safety and effectiveness standards for healthcare providers who perform colorectal cancer screening exams.