Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

HIGH POINT REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM– High Point , North Carolina
High Point Colorectal Cancer Screening Project Program

What is it?
An effort to increase colorectal cancer screening (with take-home stool tests called FOBT) and provide appropriate diagnostic follow-up care (with colonoscopies) to underinsured and uninsured residents of the High Point area. The project is a partnership between High Point Regional Health System, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill and several community health clinics, physicians and agencies in the High Point community. The project is being done as part of a research study exploring new ways to increase delivery of evidence-based primary care and diagnostic services, especially to communities that have traditionally had reduced access to health care.

Who is it for?
High Point residents who are uninsured or for whom getting screened would be a financial burden. Project participants are enrolled at the Adult Health Center, the Community Clinic of High Point and a community-based organization (Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency). Eligibility is based on each site’s standard eligibility screening. 

Why do they do it?
Colorectal cancer is preventable and highly treatable if found early, but screening rates are much lower than for other cancers like breast and cervical. In addition, this project focuses on locations with high proportions of African Americans because incidence and mortality rates tend to be higher than in the general population.

Impact: From March to October 2008, 225 patients received a take-home stool test. Most patients (65 percent) completed the test within six weeks. To date, 146 patients have been screened for colon cancer. Among patients enrolled at the two High Point Regional Health System-affiliated clinics, the colon cancer screening rate has topped 70 percent. One patient had a positive FOBT result, requiring diagnostic follow-up by colonoscopy. As the study progresses and patients continue to enroll, more information will be available on the number of cancers detected early or prevented as a result of this program.

Contact: Carin Hiott
Director of Chronic Care
Telephone: 336-878-6027
E-mail: chiott@hprhs.com