Screening for colorectal cancer: developing a preventive healthcare program utilizing nurse endoscopists

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2000, approximately 130,200 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed, and 56,300 persons will die from the disease (Greenlee, Murray, Boldan, & Wingo, 2000). A survey conducted for the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable by the Gallup Organization, found that 47% of people over 50 are not being screened. The National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which began in March 2000, will educate Americans age 50 and older and prescribe physicians about the importance of colorectal cancer screening tests. The effect of increased education and directing physicians to include colorectal screening for their patients will create a need for non-physician endoscopists to meet the screening needs of the population. A colorectal cancer screening center was developed at a large Midwestern teaching hospital utilizing nurse endoscopists. The purpose of this article is to provide information for institutions to develop and implement a colorectal cancer screening center utilizing nurse endoscopists.