Alliance for Colorectal Cancer (Project 80%)

Project Overview

The Alliance for Colorectal Cancer or Project 80% aims to increase colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) for asymptomatic patients at average risk and referral directly to colonoscopy for increased risk patients. This initiative collaborates with designated primary care clinics and community-based endoscopists in 64 Texas counties. Uninsured or low-income eligible patients will be offered a free take-home Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). If the FIT test result shows blood in the stool, the patient will be offered a free colonoscopy and polypectomy if needed. 

• Patients from participating clinics are eligible if they: 

• • Have no medical insurance and are considered low-income 

• • Are between the ages of 45 and 75 

• • Do not have any symptoms of colorectal cancer (rectal bleeding or blood in stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss) 

• • Do not have inflammatory bowel disease (acute diarrhea, colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)

Under the leadership of Drs. Valerio and Fernandez, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Center for Health Promotion & Prevention Research (CHPPR) will collaborate with MD Anderson Cancer Center to evaluate a program to increase CRCS among CPRIT priority populations in central, south, and southeast Texas. We will assist MD Anderson in the development of a CRC screening coalition made up of CRCS stakeholders including community clinics, academic institutions and non-profit organizations serving the priority population. The coalition will support delivery of a program offering take-home fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and follow-up services. 

This comprehensive approach is supported by robust coordination of service providers involved in colonoscopy provision and navigation services for patients. For a list of participating clinics, visit the Texas Cancer Information colorectal cancer screening services page, Where can I get screened for colon cancer?.