CRC Screening Project - person holding a blue cancer ribbon

MCC and Mobile Health Initiative partner to improve community access to colorectal cancer screenings

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, but many communities face barriers to getting screened for it. In some places, people are skeptical about preventive care or are worried about cultural stigmas, which can cause delays in early detection. In response to this challenge, the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC), University of Minnesota has teamed up with Mobile Health Initiative (MHI) to launch an exciting new community screening program. The goal is to make colorectal cancer screenings more accessible for Somali and African American communities, who often have some of the lowest screening rates in our state.

This important program is the result of teamwork from a wide range of groups, including MCC, MHI, Exact SciencesMNGI Digestive HealthIslamic Association of North America (IANA), and Power of People Leadership Institute (POPLI), and, most importantly, local community members. Together, they realized there was a need to improve access to colorectal cancer screenings, especially for those who have been underserved in the past.

Community expertise at the foundation

To make sure the program connects with people in the best possible way, MCC and MHI partnered with trusted community organizations like the Islamic Association of North America (IANA) and the Power of People Leadership Institute (POPLI). These groups know their communities and are in the best position to help spread the word about a screening initiative. 

“We learned from community leaders that many people won’t seek medical care unless they’re already experiencing symptoms and feeling sick,” said Amna Hussein, community outreach and engagement manager at MCC. “By working with these organizations, we’re able to provide health education and resources in a way that really resonates with the people we’re serving.”

Two U of M students, Ariam Aman and Alexandra Wolner, also helped shape the program by creating surveys to gather feedback from the community regarding their thoughts on colorectal cancer screening. This information helped guide the development of the program and made it even more effective.

“I’m inspired by the power of partnership and collaboration of this team,” said Wolner, a second-year medical student. “This work highlights the profound intersection of medicine, research, and community engagement, demonstrating how these elements come together to create change.”

Aman, an undergraduate student studying public health on a pre-med track, added, “Colorectal cancer is an extremely preventable disease with the available screening methods, but barriers like lack of access to health care systems and stigma can stop people from getting tested. This program is changing the narrative by bringing care to where people are, both physically and in terms of their understanding of health.”

Making screening easier and more accessible

The program offers an at-home colorectal cancer screening test called Cologuard to eligible participants. This test is free for uninsured individuals. Cologuard is a simple, non-invasive test for people over 45 who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. It’s very accurate, with a 92 percent sensitivity rate—a term that refers to a measure of how well a test can identify people who have a condition. Cologuard can help detect early signs of colorectal cancer without the need for an immediate colonoscopy, saving lives and cutting down on healthcare costs.

If the Cologuard test shows something unusual, patients are referred to MNGI Digestive Health for a follow-up colonoscopy. For uninsured people, these colonoscopies are also free.

“We’ve set up a clear process that takes people from learning about colorectal cancer to getting screened, and even provides follow-up care if needed,” said Amna Hussein. “Our team, including Patty Beckmann, an oncology nurse, and Katie Verhulst, our community health and engagement coordinator, are here to guide people through every step of the process.”

The pilot phase of the program kicked off at the Power of People Leadership Institute’s Wellness Village event in November. The community response so far has been positive, with multiple screenings and follow-up procedures already taking place. Consultations are being provided by UMN’s Doctors Shahnaz Sultan and Shahidali Jaffer

IANA, which supports a mainly Somali and East African population, will start offering monthly screenings, while POPLI will continue to host quarterly events. By combining screenings with other community health activities, the program is able to reach more people and build on the trust that these organizations already have in their communities.

“This program reflects what both MCC and MHI, and all of our partners, are all about—making a tangible impact in the lives of Minnesotans through collaboration and innovation,” said Amna Hussein. “It’s not just about offering healthcare—it’s about meeting people where they are, geographically, culturally, and socially.”

The program is growing and plans to expand this year, with hopes to reach even more communities across Minnesota. By bringing life-saving screenings to those who need them most, this initiative is making a real difference.

For more information about upcoming screening events, email [email protected]. You can also check out the MCC Community Resource Library for more information on cancer screening and other free resources.


A version of this story authored by Gao Vang was first published by the UMN Office of Academic Clinical Affairs