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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 January 2024

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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 education and screening for asymptomatic patients.

Participating primary care clinics offer a take-home Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) tests to their patients who are uninsured and/or who have low-income. The program provides payment of costs related to the FIT test, follow-up colonoscopy and polypectomy if needed. This comprehensive approach is supported by robust coordination of service providers involved in colonoscopy provision and navigation services for patients. The program receives funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

You may be able to get a free FIT test through this program if you:
  • Have a low-income and no medical insurance
  • Are between 45 and 75 years old
  • Have no 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)

If your FIT test result shows that you have blood in your stool, you will be offered a free colonoscopy. A direct referral to colonoscopy is available for increased risk patients. Contact the clinic to find out if you qualify to receive the free FIT colon cancer test.

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


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Information for Providers


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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.

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Educatonal Materials & Resources