Colorectal Cancer Surveillance Program

This program focuses on improving colorectal cancer surveillance and follow-up care, with an emphasis on addressing gaps in care continuity and patient engagement after initial treatment or screening.

Project Leads

• UCLA Faculty PI: Tara Russell, MD, PhD

Approach

This program uses health services and implementation-focused research to identify gaps in colorectal cancer surveillance, particularly in follow-up adherence and long-term care continuity. The work examines patient, provider and system-level factors that influence whether patients receive recommended surveillance after initial screening or treatment.

Through evaluation of clinical workflows, patient education and health literacy, the program aims to better understand barriers to adherence and opportunities to improve communication, navigation and care coordination.

Impact

This work supports the development of targeted, system-level interventions to improve surveillance adherence and reduce disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes. By strengthening follow-up care and patient engagement, the program aims to improve early detection of recurrence and overall long-term outcomes.

Findings contribute to broader efforts in cancer care redesign, emphasizing continuity, patient-centered communication and equitable access to high-quality surveillance and treatment pathways.