Webinars

Every Screen Counts: Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death, yet screening and timely follow-up continue to lag in rural and underserved communities. This practical three-part webinar series was designed to support health centers and rural clinics in closing these gaps through evidence-based strategies, community-informed approaches, and effective use of data. Across three sessions, participants explored how to implement proven CRC screening interventions in resource-limited settings, gain a deeper understanding of barriers that influence screening behaviors in rural populations, and learn how to translate state and clinic-level data into actionable workflows that drive improvement.

Session 1: Implementing Evidence-Based CRC Screening Strategies in Rural Communities

Resources

This session focused on practical, evidence-based strategies that health centers and rural clinics can implement to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and timely diagnostic follow-up. Drawing on national best practices and real-world examples, participants learned how approaches such as mailed Cologuard programs, patient navigation, standing orders, and team-based care can be successfully adapted for rural and resource-limited settings. The session also highlights practical use of the ACS NCCRT Rural Communities Toolkit, offering concrete examples of how health centers can start small-scale interventions over time, and sustain improvement efforts to reduce screening gaps and disparities.

Speaker: Dr. Anne Gaglioti

Session 2: Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Rural Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening

Resources

In this session, Dr. Shawnda Schroeder shared findings from a mixed-methods study on rural colorectal cancer care in North Dakota, combining county-level analyses with community focus groups and provider interviews to better understand why screening and follow-up can be difficult in rural settings. Participants explored the core themes driving screening behavior, including stigma, fear of colonoscopy/prep, trust and communication with healthcare providers, and real-world access barriers such as travel, time away from work, cost, and logistics. The session emphasized how centering community voice and partnering with public health can strengthen equitable, patient-centered CRC strategies in rural and frontier communities.

Speaker: Dr. Shawnda Schroeder

Session 3: From Data to Action: Leveraging State Resources and Population Health Tools to Improve Colorectal Cancer Outcomes

Resources
 
This session brought together the North Dakota and South Dakota Departments of Health, health centers, and population health partners to explore how state-level colorectal cancer data, programs, and resources can be used to support local improvement efforts. Participants heard the latest ND and SD CRC screening and follow-up trends, learned how state partners can collaborate with health centers to address gaps in care, and saw practical examples of how Azara DRVS can be used to track performance, identify patients overdue for screening, and support timely diagnostic follow-up. The session focused on translating data into actionable workflows that strengthen coordination, improve, and support sustainable CRC improvement strategies in rural and underserved communities.
 
Speakers: Nikki Medalan, Quality Health Associates
John Gardner, Quality Health Associates
Brooke Lusk, SD Department of Health
Jenn Saueressig, CHAD

Webinar Series | March 10, March 17 and March 24 , 2026

Session 1: Implementing Evidence Based CRC Screening Strategies in Rural Communities

Session 2: Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Rural Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening

Session 3: From Data to Action: Leveraging State Resources and Population Health Tools to Improve Colorectal Cancer Outcomes