AAPA Initiative Aims to Boost Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Underserved Communities

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), with support from Exact Sciences, is leading an initiative to increase colorectal cancer screening rates among populations with significant healthcare access barriers. This effort specifically targets Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which serve lower-income patients, and addresses the rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer in Hispanic and Latino communities.

Colorectal cancer is the third deadliest cancer for men and the fourth for women in the U.S. The National Cancer Institute reports a rapid increase in early-onset cases among Hispanic and Latino patients, who often fall outside standard screening guidelines. The AAPA's project involves creating specialized learning modules to streamline clinical workflows and enhance patient education, aiming to bridge the gap in early detection.

Jennifer M. Orozco-Kolb, AAPA Chief Medical Officer, stressed the importance of early detection, noting the survival rate drops from 91% in early stages to 14% in later stages. Jeffrey Katz, Physician Associate Foundation President, pointed out the pivotal role of physician associates in initiating screening discussions and fostering patient trust. With an estimated 152,000 new cases this year, the initiative marks a crucial move towards reducing cancer mortality through better screening and awareness.