Preventing Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer in the VA

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Jul 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on finding better ways to prevent early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) in Veterans aged 45 to 49. Colorectal cancer is a common and serious disease, and recently, more younger people have been diagnosed with it. The study aims to create and test a tool that uses health information from VA records to identify which younger Veterans are at higher risk for this cancer. Then, those at higher risk and their healthcare providers will be informed, so they can take steps to get screened and catch any problems early.

Veterans between 45 and 49 years old who are not already up-to-date with their colorectal cancer screenings may be eligible to join. Participants will be part of a program that encourages screening and helps understand what makes it easier or harder for younger Veterans to get screened. This study is not yet recruiting but hopes to help improve early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer among younger Veterans in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 45-49 years at screening
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Up-to-date with CRC screening based on the USPSTF guideline (e.g., colonoscopy within the past 10 years or FIT within the past year)
• • Prior CRC diagnosis
• • Prior total colectomy
• • Limited life expectancy (defined as terminal illness, hospice enrollment, or documented life expectancy \<6 months on the medical problem list or a health factor in the EHR
• • Deactivated national CRC screening and surveillance reminder (due to risk level or comorbidities)