It will assess physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns, as well as health plan guidelines for providing or promoting colorectal screening. Data collection will be carried out by Abt Associates, Inc., an independent research organization located in Chicago. Key areas of NCI's research portfolio include screening, detection, and diagnosis, particularly for cancers of high incidence and mortality. The survey process will begin in September 1999. NCI will request data via a questionnaire, to which participants can respond by mail, telephone, fax or Internet.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States.
Evidence shows that a reduction in mortality can be achieved through screening for and treatment of the cancer in its earliest stages. However, screening rates for colorectal cancer remain low. A number of expert groups, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Society, American College of Gastroenterology, and Oncology Nursing Society recommend screening for the early detection of colorectal cancer in men and women over age 49. Early detection can be accomplished by fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or double contrast barium enema. Congress has mandated that screening tests be covered benefits under the Medicare program.