Clinical Trials

More About the Study

The Colon Cancer Screening Study is a joint research study with Christiana Care Health System and Thomas Jefferson University. The research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, and is a four year study. In July 2007 our first patient mailing was sent out. Since that time, we have enrolled over 600 participants. The final patient mailing will be sent out in July of 2010. The remaining time of the study will be used to analyze the data collected.

The purpose of the research is to find the best way to help encourage and motivate people toward colon cancer screening by using either colonoscopy or stool blood testing (FIT kit). Study participants will be asked to complete two surveys over the period of six months. Participants may also receive additional information about colon cancer screening in the mail or by phone. As a participant you are not required to have screening. Participation is voluntary, and if you decide not to participate your care at Christiana will not be affected. Information that could be used to identify you personally will never be used in any articles or reports written about the study.

How was I chosen?

Currently, we are working with twelve different physician practices in Christiana Care Health System. Physicians were notified about the research study, and asked if they would like to participate. Permission was obtained from each practice. A computerized record search was run to find patients who are 50-79 years old, and do not have colon cancer screening completion documented in their electronic medical record.

Christiana Care follows the rules and regulations set forth by the federal government to assure a patient's right to privacy (also known as HIPAA). You may recall signing a form each year at your doctor's office stating that you have received the "Notice of Patient Privacy" pamphlet. This explains how Christiana Care maintains your privacy rights. It also explains that your information can be used for research purposes.

If you have additional questions about the study, you may contact the researchers in charge of the study. For Christiana Care Health System, Heather Bittner-Fagan, M.D. at 302-255-1335 or Thomas Jefferson University, Ronald E. Myers, Ph.D. at 215-503-4086.