Preventing colorectal cancer deaths

This study evaluated a system-level quality improvement initiative designed to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening completion rates within the HealthTexas Provider Network, an employed primary care group affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Health.

We implemented a series of stepwise interventions between 2015 and 2025 to enhance screening uptake. Interventions included blinded and unblinded physician performance feedback, incentive alignment, and recognition of alternative screening modalities.

CRC screening rates improved from 65.1% in 2018 to 76.0% in 2025. Adoption of stool-based and noncolonoscopy screening increased from 2-4% to 22-25% of total screenings.

Structured accountability and inclusion of alternative screening methods substantially improved CRC screening rates across a large primary care network. This initiative demonstrates the power of data transparency, performance incentives, and flexibility as successful tactics to increase screening options to improve CRC screening and, by extension, set up the potential to reduce preventable CRC deaths.