Expanding Colorectal Cancer Screening Education in Pharmacies Across America

Expanding Colorectal Cancer Screening Education in Pharmacies

In a significant move towards enhanced public healthcare, Workflow Services has announced the successful nationwide expansion of its Colorectal Cancer Screening Education Program. This initiative follows a successful pilot program aimed at educating patients about the critical importance of colorectal cancer screenings, leveraging community pharmacies as vital access points for healthcare information.

The Urgency of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Despite its prevalence, early detection drastically improves survival rates, with about 90% of cases being highly treatable when caught in the early stages. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that approximately 25% of Americans lack a primary care provider—leaving many uninformed about essential health screenings. This health initiative aims to address this gap by providing crucial information through the most accessible healthcare channels: community pharmacies.

The Role of Community Pharmacies

The unique positioning of pharmacies within the community, with 90% of Americans living within five miles of one, enables them to serve as reliable and frequently visited healthcare resources. The pilot revealed that 92% of participating pharmacists felt more equipped to educate patients on the importance of colorectal cancer screening as a result of Workflow Services' program. Kevin Houlihan, President and CEO of Workflow Services, remarked, "The data we collected in the pilot shows that we are unlocking a new, impactful healthcare channel. Access is one of the major challenges currently confronting the American healthcare system."

Implementation of the Program

As the program expands, pharmacies across the country can now integrate colorectal cancer screening education directly into their patient interactions using Workflow Services' platform. By furnishing pharmacists with the necessary tools and educational resources, patients can be guided towards making proactive choices regarding their health. As Rebecca Liggon, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Engagement at Workflow Services, mentions, "We've designed a low-lift solution that reduces staff burden, allowing pharmacists to easily support screening initiatives with minimal disruption."

Recommendations for Screening

The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at the age of 45. This screening can be life-saving, making it imperative for the community pharmacies to take an active role in promoting it.

Looking Ahead

Workflow Services is committed to bridging the gaps in healthcare access and education. The firm’s innovative platform represents a vital component in enhancing community health—empowering pharmacists to take the lead in preventive care strategies. Their key objectives are not just about facilitating screenings but also about educating the public about the significant impacts of early detection.

Conclusion

As Workflow Services moves forward, the emphasis remains on empowering both pharmacists and patients. Community pharmacies are poised to become essential healthcare hubs through initiatives like these, fundamentally changing how Americans access preventive care. The collective goal is clear: enhance awareness, facilitate access, and most importantly, save lives through early colorectal cancer detection.

For more information about the initiative and its implications for community health, visit Workflow Services or follow their updates on LinkedIn.

Sources:

1. National Association of Community Health Centers.
2. National Community Pharmacists Association.
3. American Cancer Society recommendations on colorectal cancer screening.