Colorectal Cancer Screening: Evidence-Based Resources, from Risk Assessment to Screening Completion

New toolkit helps PAs identify risk, compare screening options, and close care gaps

October 21, 2026

SPONSORED

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Overall incidence and death rates have declined, but because of rising rates of early-onset CRC, timely, risk-informed screening has become increasingly important. CRC screening is also one of the few cancer screening strategies that can prevent disease, as it facilitates early detection and removal of premalignant lesions.

Physician associates are frontline providers who practice in every setting and specialty. As a result, PAs have opportunities to discuss screening with patients, advise on the most appropriate tests, and help patients follow through.

Created with support from Exact Sciences is now Abbott, AAPA’s new Colorectal Cancer Screening Toolkit gives clinicians practical, evidence-based resources for understanding CRC risk, comparing screening options, applying current guideline recommendations, and improving screening rates.

Resources for Providers
Within the toolkit, clinicians will find resources that cover the full screening process — from how precursor lesions progress to cancer, to the epidemiology behind the rise in early-onset disease. Learn how to assess whether patients have an average or elevated risk, and how to find the right screening strategy for each.

The toolkit also helps you understand the differences between the latest screening methods and includes a guideline-based tool that simplifies risk stratification, test selection, and surveillance. You will also find strategies for helping patients overcome barriers to improve screening rates.

Educating Patients
Many patients have questions about which screening test is right for them. Within this toolkit, you will find plain-language materials that explain the different tests, along with who should be screened and when. It also includes a risk assessment calculator, patient guidelines in multiple languages, and an interactive decision aid to help patients weigh their options before selecting a test.

A PA’s Guide to CRC Screening
In this Vital Rounds video series, PA Carol Antequera gives an overview of CRC screening, focusing on its role in early detection and prevention.

The Colorectal Cancer Screening Toolkit is now available in AAPA’s Clinical Resource Library.

You May Also Like
AAPA Launches New Clinical Resource Library to Strengthen PA Practice
Introducing Vital Rounds: A Microlearning Series Made Specifically for PAs
Vital Rounds: A PA’s Guide to Colorectal Cancer Screening