Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening via Mailed Fecal Immunochemical Testing in a Veterans Affairs Health System

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer screening rates at the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS) decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fecal immunochemical testing is recognized as a tier 1 preferred screening method by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. The VACHS implemented a program that mailed fecal immunochemical testing kits to patients to improve colorectal cancer screening rates.

Observations: This article describes the components of the VACHS patient aligned care team-based mailed fecal immunochemical testing program. Fecal immunochemical testing utilization, completion, and colorectal cancer screening rates at VACHS substantially increased after the implementation of this project.

Conclusions: Through a proactive, population-based colorectal cancer screening program centered on mailed fecal immunochemical testing kits outside of a traditional patient visit, VACHS substantially increased the utilization of fecal immunochemical testing kits as well as colorectal cancer screening rates.