Colorectal Cancer Screening & Coalition
Information about colorectal cancer screening program and coalition administered through The University of Texas MD Anderson Office of Health Policy.
Updated February 2025
Project 80% Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
Free colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Texas, but the number of people dying from this disease is dropping. One reason may be that colorectal cancer can be prevented by screening people who do not have any symptoms of cancer. The Project 80% colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) program is a project of
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center which aims to increase colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) for asymptomatic patients at average risk and referral directly to colonoscopy for increased risk patients of partnering Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other community clinics.
Project 80% collaborates with designated primary care clinics and community-based endoscopists in 64 Texas counties. Uninsured, underinsured and/or low-income eligible patients will be offered a free take-home Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). If the FIT test result shows blood in the stool, the patient will be offered a free colonoscopy and polypectomy if needed. Patients diagnosed with cancer are navigated to treatment resources.
Patients from participating clinics are eligible if they:
- Have no medical insurance and are considered low-income
- Are between the ages of 45 and 75
- Have no symptoms of colorectal cancer (rectal bleeding or blood in stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss)
- Do not have any symptoms of colorectal cancer (rectal bleeding or blood in stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss)
- Do not have inflammatory bowel disease (acute diarrhea, colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis)
This comprehensive approach is supported by robust coordination of service providers involved in colonoscopy provision and navigation services for patients. The Project 80% CRCS program receives funding from the
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
For a list of participating clinics, visit the
Texas Cancer Information colorectal cancer screening services page,
Where can I get screened for colon cancer?.
Project Contacts
Information for Providers
Colorectal Cancer Screening Coalition
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center annually convenes a statewide Colorectal Cancer Screening (CRCS) Coalition with the aim of identifying best practices and barriers to successful implementation of CRCS programs in Texas and the status of fulfillment of the
2012 Texas Cancer Plan related to CRC. The participants examine the statewide CRC burden and identify gaps in screening. Resources, other than
CPRIT funding, are identified for the implementation of additional regional coalitions.
Educatonal Materials & Resources
…empowering Texans with the knowledge needed to reduce the impact of cancer. 
