Consistent engagement with current medical literature enables clinicians to apply the latest evidence-based treatment and integrate research into clinical practice. This approach enhances patient outcomes by facilitating more effective and individualized care.

Today, we’re showcasing some of the latest articles focusing on and related to colorectal cancer screening that were published recently across medical journals. Some article descriptions were edited for brevity and clarity. The topics in today’s rundown include the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on screening modalities, a study on the prevalence of CRC screening following a Medicaid eligibility expansion, and more.

Can Colonoscopy Still Be Promoted as the Best Choice for Colorectal Cancer Screening?

  • Gastroenterology, March 2026
  • Description: Dramatic reductions in US incidence of colorectal cancer and mortality from colorectal cancer are mostly attributable to screening, which, in the US, has been driven by colonoscopy. Many gastroenterologists choose colonoscopy for their own screening. However, [gastroenterologists’] enthusiasm for the virtues of screening colonoscopy should not prevent [them] from recognizing that population-level uptake goals for colorectal cancer screening have not been met;  there is compelling evidence that other screening methods are similarly effective; US stakeholders including employers and insurers, as well as clinical practices and test developers, are increasingly thinking about programmatic instead of opportunistic colorectal cancer screening; and the financial realities of US gastroenterology practice invite questions about conflict of interest when gastroenterologists promote colonoscopy over accepted alternatives.
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Prevalence of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Latino Adults Following the Medicaid Eligibility Amendment Expansion

  • JAMA Network Open, February 2026
  • Description: Cancer is the leading cause of death for Latino and Latina individuals in the US. Lack of insurance is one of the leading contributing factors to low prevalence of colorectal cancer screening. In 2021, the state Medicaid coverage programs in California and Oregon were amended to expand income-based eligibility for Medicaid to adults aged 50 years or older regardless of immigration status. [This study evaluated] whether expanding Medicaid eligibility regardless of immigration status to adults aged 50 years or older with low income was associated with improvements in the prevalence of up-to-date colorectal cancer screening among Latino and Latina patients who received care at community health centers.
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The Lingering Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Colorectal Cancer Screening Modalities and Staging by Neighborhood-Level Deprivation

  • Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, February 2026
  • Description: Disruptions to colorectal cancer screenings occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, but lingering effects and equity of this impact remain unclear. [Researchers] evaluated local patterns and trends in colorectal cancer screening and cancer staging across four time periods and examined disparities by neighborhood social deprivation index.
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Outcomes and Cost of Patient Navigation in Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Safety-Net Hospital-Based Health Center

  • Cancer Causes & Control, March 2026
  • Description: [The goal was] to assess the screening outcomes and cost of patient navigation (PN) to improve colorectal cancer screening uptake of stool-based tests and colonoscopies in a safety net setting. [Researchers] conducted a quantitative assessment of a PN program at MedStar, a nonprofit hospital system based in the Washington, DC area.
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Impact of Offering Blood-Based Testing Alongside Existing Modalities for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Those Who Previously Declined Screening: An Economic Evaluation

  • Journal of Medical Economics, February 2026
  • Description: Inadequate adherence to colorectal cancer screening reduces individual and population level health benefits. Blood-based tests offer a new modality that may help patients overcome barriers, but there are concerns about the impact of patients switching from existing guideline-recommended screening modalities. This study estimates the population health outcomes and cost-effectiveness of offering blood-based testing using a validated individual-level simulation model based on patient preference evidence from randomized controlled trials.
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Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices in Rhode Island, 2011–2021

  • Cancer Causes & Control, February 2026
  • Description: Although lifestyle modifications have the potential to reduce colorectal cancer risk, regular screening is crucial for CRC prevention. This study aimed to identify disparities in colorectal cancer screening modalities in Rhode Island adults from 2011 to 2021 to guide equitable screening practices.
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Integrating Epic Aura and Shared Decision-Making to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation at the University of Washington Medicine

  • Current Medical Research and Opinion, February 2026
  • Description: Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) testing is a noninvasive, highly sensitive screening option, but its effectiveness is limited by workflow inefficiencies and suboptimal patient adherence. University of Washington Medicine (UWM) implemented Epic Aura, an electronic health record (EHR) interface that automates test ordering, patient outreach, and results communication, alongside shared decision-making (SDM) interventions. This study evaluated the impact of these implementations on mt-sDNA utilization and adherence.
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Look forward to more journal-focused topics in the coming weeks. 

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