OVERVIEW

Efficacy of Stool Testing for Colorectal Cancer Screening is organized by Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS).

Activity Term:
Original Release Date: June 29, 2016
Termination Date: February 28, 2023

Course Overview:
This hour-long, web-based video course (slides with audio) is designed to reach a wide audience of primary care physicians across the state to help them better understand the options for colorectal cancer screening and increase providers' confidence in the use of stool testing as an effective screening modality. Dr. Durado Brooks, Vice President of Cancer Control Interventions at the American Cancer Society, will review current the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and discuss the efficacy of stool-based testing for increasing overall screening rates. Dr. Brooks will review the science behind fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), including the differences between the tests and general information on their sensitivity and specificity in detecting colorectal cancer. Dr. Brooks will present research that shows that offering options for screening can increase the likelihood that a patient will complete a colorectal cancer screening, especially among certain populations.

Implementation of stool-based testing will be discussed, and common challenges will be addressed. National and state resources will be presented that can help providers in the implementation of a comprehensive, high-quality colorectal cancer screening program. In addition, tools and resources will be available to learners after listening to the video lecture.

Learning Objective:
• Identify colorectal cancer screening options for average-risk patients according to clinical guidelines.
• Describe the differences in guaiac-based FOBT and FIT in terms of sensitivity and specificity, as well as diet and medication restrictions.
• Recognize the efficacy of FOBT/FIT in finding colorectal cancer and lowering overall mortality due to colorectal cancer.
• Assess the benefits of offering a choice of colorectal cancer screening tests to patients.
• Examine common barriers to implementation of FOBT/FIT and recognize tools and methods to overcome them.
• Utilize resources available to assist primary care physicians in the implementation of a stool-based screening program.