A Model for Colon Cancer Screening at a Free Community Clinic

Background: The BRIDGE Clinic began a Colon Cancer Screening Program in 2012 that has continued to provide the local underserved community with free colon cancer screening. This program allows BRIDGE Clinic to provide preventative care in accordance with the United States Preventative Services Task Force guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographics of participants and the outcomes of the colorectal cancer screening program at BRIDGE Clinic and compare this information to 2015 National Health Interview Survey data.Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients eligible for routine colorectal cancer screening. Patients aged 50-75 years and who had at least one clinic visit at BRIDGE between January 2012 and December 2015 were included. Demographics, screening method, and outcome information were extracted by chart review.Results: A total of 133 uninsured patients were eligible. Of those patients who qualified for colorectal cancer screening, 64% were screened (34% with fecal immunochemical testing, 66% with colonoscopy). Among those screened with colonoscopy, one (2%) patient had rectal carcinoma in situ, 10 (18%) patients had pre-cancerous polyps, 19 (34%) patients had benign hyperplastic polyps (34%), and 26 (46%) had normal colonoscopies.Conclusions: The Colon Cancer Screening Program at the BRIDGE Clinic has facilitated a screening rate of 64%, a rate that is close to three times the national average for uninsured patients (22%) and almost at the national average for insured patients (65%). This suggests it is feasible for free clinics to achieve high colorectal cancer screening rates if strong community partnerships and a clear process are in place.