Canadian Screening for Colorectal Cancer Research Network (CanSCCRN): Fostering Collaborations Between Organized Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs and Researchers.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death which can be prevented by screening. Cancer screening is testing done on people who are at risk of getting cancer, but who have no symptoms and generally feel well. Nine Canadian provinces and 1 territory now have organized screening programs, where a systematic approach is used to screen and organize follow-up for the entire eligible population. Canadian Screening for Colorectal Cancer Research Network (CanSCCRN) is a pan-Canadian CRC screening research network comprised of interested provincial CRC screening program personnel, researchers with expertise in CRC screening and other stakeholders. This grant will foster collaboration between members of CanSCCRN by: a) understanding CRC screening program planners/ policy maker needs in terms of CRC screening evidence; b) understanding barriers and facilitators to CRC screening programs helping to generate evidence by engaging in research, including province-specific infrastructure, resources and context; c) establishing high priority collaborative research ideas to inform best CRC screening practices in Canada and beyond. We will carry out this work by conducting surveys and speaking with key stakeholders, including members of CanSCCRN and others who can provide relevant information. We will convene a 1.5 day meeting of CanSCCRN where findings from surveys and from discussions with stakeholders will be reviewed and used as the basis to develop a plan to expand and diversify our membership, to outline and prioritize a detailed research agenda including planning for specific high priority projects. After the meeting, we will continue to work together collaboratively develop and submit 1-3 research proposals to CIHR in next 12-18 months.