Georgia Colorectal Cancer Control Program

In 2019, the Georgia Colorectal Cancer Roundtable asked Georgia CORE to lead the charge in increasing screenings for colorectal cancer, particularly in South Georgia. (Georgia CORE’s statewide reach and leadership of similar collaborations made us a logical choice.)

With funding from CDC, Georgia CORE created a partnership with Augusta University, Horizons Community Solutions and three Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to administer the Georgia Colorectal Cancer Control Program (GCRCCP).

The program’s short-term goals are to increase colorectal screening to at least 60% and strive for 80% of patients at the designated healthcare clinics among patients 45-75 years old; prevent colorectal cancers; and reduce the number of late-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses. In the long term, the program aims to decrease the incidence of colorectal cancer in the state and reduce its mortality rates from colorectal cancer.

How it works

Navigating Georgians to screenings has been foundational to the success of the program. GCRCCP works with FQHCs to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in South Georgia by utilizing evidence-based interventions proven to be effective in increasing screening rates. Navigators work with participating clinics to contact patients and guide them through the stool-based testing process and, if warranted, a follow-up colonoscopy.

Clinical liaisons work as a bridge from the program to the clinics by helping to strengthen workflows, ensuring that evidence-based interventions are properly implemented and by partnering with providers to ensure their patients are screened appropriately and in a timely manner.

Results that save lives

As of 2025, screening rates for colorectal cancer had increased by 4 percentage points in the first four years (including through 2023, when the age 45 screening guidelines went into effect). Overall, 3,326 additional Georgians were screened through the program in five years, adding up to more than 32,600 patients who have been screened at 20 clinics in 18 counties in southwest and southeast Georgia.