Virtual Screening Programs Expand Access to Cancer Screening Nationwide

Two innovative, community-based telemedicine programs are helping to close long-standing gaps in cancer screening access, particularly for historically underserved populations, according to new findings from a collaborative initiative by Color Health and the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Launched in June 2025 and November 2023, respective­ly, the Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and Lung Cancer screening programs leverage a virtual-first model to streamline patient navigation and reduce barriers to early cancer detection. Par­ticipants submit health history via an online platform and re­ceive individualized support from care advocates to schedule appointments, complete tests, and understand results.

In the CRC program, 397 individuals—predominantly women with an average age of 50—requested or picked up at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits distributed through community sites such as federally qualified health cen­ters. Among the 126 eligible participants, 94 completed test­ing, with 4 abnormal results identified. California, Texas, and Florida saw the highest participation.

Meanwhile, the Lung Cancer Screening Program’s 71 par­ticipants met ACS eligibility criteria for low-dose CT scans. Of those, 17 completed scans, with 29% showing clinically signifi­cant findings (Lung-RADS 3 or 4). Notably, all appointments occurred within 11 miles of the participants’ preferred loca­tion, with a median wait time of 29 days.

The study underscores the effectiveness of virtual-first, community-integrated models in addressing cancer screen­ing disparities. By simplifying logistics, lowering costs, and offering culturally sensitive support, these programs demon­strate scalable pathways to improve early detection and health outcomes.

Reference

Brockman D, Neben C, Erwin D, et al. Improving access to cancer screening through national telehealth-based lung and colorectal cancer screening programs. Presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; May 30-June 3, 2025. Chicago, Illinois.