Our Policy Goals

Federal research dollars are disproportionately low for colorectal cancer, despite its significant burden. While many cancers have seen major advancements in therapies and treatments, colorectal cancer patients today are still receiving many of the same drugs that have been around for decades. A top priority for Fight CRC is advocating for increased funding for colorectal cancer research.  

CDMRP Colorectal Cancer Research Program

• Fight CRC advocates for the creation of a Colorectal Cancer Research Program within the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) to secure additional dedicated funding for colorectal cancer research.

National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the largest federal funder of colorectal cancer research. Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NCI has helped lead to better screening techniques and improved treatment options. Fight CRC advocates for increased funding for the NIH and NCI to continue advancing colorectal cancer research.

Fight CRC relentlessly advocates to ensure all people have access to the screening option that best fits their needs, with no out of pocket costs, this includes access to follow up colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive screening test.  

Federal prevention and screening priorities 

• Increased funding for the CDC Colorectal Cancer Control Program to expand screening in communities most in need  
• Policies that protect access to the full screening process, including follow up colonoscopy coverage  

Advocacy results that improved screening access 

• Medicare beneficiaries will no longer face out of pocket costs for a colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive screening test, following CMS final rulemaking celebrated by Fight CRC and partners.  
• States have passed laws that lower the screening age to 45 and remove out of pocket costs for follow up colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive test, including New York and New Jersey. 

Learn about our Catalyst Program

Fight CRC advocates for policies that ensure equitable access to high quality colorectal cancer care in every phase of treatment, from screening through survivorship.  

Federal agency priorities, that protects patient access 

• Collaboration with CMS to strengthen how coverage is applied so patients can complete screening and receive needed care  
• Engagement with the FDA to support timely review of drugs and diagnostics that improve access to appropriate treatment options 

State policy priorities that impact patients now 

• Medicaid screening coverage starting at age 45 
• Coverage for follow up colonoscopy after an abnormal screening test 
• Coverage for biomarker testing so patients can access precision medicine and targeted therapies 

Advocacy results that advanced access and accountability 

• Fight CRC supported efforts to add colorectal cancer screening to the CMS Medicaid Adult Core Set for adoption in 2022, strengthening accountability for prevention and early detection.  

Learn about our goals in our Colorectal Care Report

Year around, you can help us recruit members to Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus, a voluntary bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress committed to advancing colorectal cancer education, awareness, and action. 

The caucus is currently co-chaired by Rep. Nikema Williams (D Georgia), and Fight CRC is working with congressional offices to identify a Republican co-chair to continue bipartisan leadership. 

Why a caucus matters for advocacy: it creates a clear, organized home for colorectal cancer inside Congress. A caucus helps build informed champions and staff, align offices around shared priorities, and accelerate support for funding and access solutions that improve prevention and screening, expand research including early onset CRC research, and reduce barriers to high quality care. 

Learn about our annual lobby day in DC