AAPA and Exact Sciences Collaborate to Enhance Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates Through PA-Led Initiatives

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) has been awarded a grant from Exact Sciences to improve colorectal cancer screening rates. This project aims to leverage the unique position of physician associates/physician assistants (PAs) in healthcare to educate and encourage patients to complete these critical screenings.

PAs are often the first healthcare providers patients see, making them pivotal in discussing screenings early on. According to AAPA Chief Medical Officer Jennifer M. Orozco-Kolb, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, the 5-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the early stages is approximately 91%. However, this rate drops to almost 14% when diagnosed at a later stage. Therefore, it is crucial to consider screening options such as at-home DNA stool testing or traditional colonoscopy procedures when discussing what works best for patients.

The project is structured into three phases. The first phase, currently underway, involves focus group meetings with four federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Wisconsin and Arizona. These FQHCs were selected because they serve underserved or uninsured patients who are less likely to access and complete colorectal cancer screenings. These focus groups are expected to be completed by February 2025.

The second phase will begin after the focus groups are completed and will involve creating an innovative toolkit based on the lessons learned and best practices gathered during the focus groups. This toolkit will be designed to be widely used by providers across the country to improve their own colorectal cancer screening rates.

The third phase will consist of implementing the newly developed toolkit at select clinics across the country to measure outcomes. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screenings, particularly among underserved populations.

AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/physician assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. They are trusted, rigorously educated, and trained healthcare professionals dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice.

This grant from Exact Sciences underscores the critical role PAs play in improving healthcare outcomes. By leveraging their position in the healthcare system, PAs can significantly impact the early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer, ultimately saving lives. The project’s focus on underserved populations highlights the commitment of AAPA and Exact Sciences to addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare.

The collaboration between AAPA and Exact Sciences demonstrates the power of partnerships in advancing healthcare. By combining resources and expertise, these organizations can make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and contribute to the broader goal of improving public health.

In conclusion, the grant awarded to AAPA by Exact Sciences is a significant step forward in the fight against colorectal cancer. By empowering PAs to educate and encourage patients to undergo screenings, this project has the potential to save countless lives and improve healthcare outcomes across the country. The structured approach, focusing on underserved populations and leveraging the unique position of PAs, ensures that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape.