Colorectal Cancer Screening Program

To enroll, or get more information, contact the local coordinator in your area:

• Richland County Public Health – Jean Smith jksmith@co.richland.nd.us (701) 642-7735
• Grand Forks Public Health – Tiffany Boespflug tboespflug@grandforksgov.com (701) 787-8118
• Family HealthCare – You must be a patient of Family HealthCare to enroll in this program. Contact Dawn McCollum dmccollum@famhealthcare.org (701) 551-7532 or Erin Powers epowers@famhealthcare.org (701) 551-2459
• Quality Health Associates Enrollment Center – Statewide enrollment. Toll Free (833) 220-2981 Email ndcrc@qualityhealthnd.org

Once you enroll, you’ll receive a 12-digit Initiative ID number from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Present this number when you use Colorectal Screening Program service.

For additional information, call 701-328-2419 or email jtran@nd.gov.

The Colorectal Screening Program requires your annual income to fall within 139 to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines:

Colorectal cancer risk factors include both things you can control and those you cannot such as lifestyle choices and genetic factors.

Factors you can control:

• Being overweight or obese
• A sedentary lifestyle
• A diet high in processed foods or red meat
• Smoking
• Alcohol use

Factors you cannot control:

• Your age
• Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Personal history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Type 2 diabetes
• Racial and ethnic background

You can significantly reduce your risk for colorectal cancer by following these six tips: 

1. Get screened for colorectal cancer regularly
2. Eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruit and vegetables
3. Exercise regularly
4. Manage your weight
5. Avoid smoking
6. Limit alcohol consumption

• Colonoscopy: This test uses a small, flexible camera to examine the colon
• CT colonography*: This test, also called a virtual colonoscopy, uses a CT scan. A radiologist studies the CT results. This method is being studied in patients who cannot undergo anesthesia
• Sigmoidoscopy*: A sigmoidoscopy uses a flexible, lighted tube to check the rectum and lower colon for polyps, cancer, and other abnormalities. The doctor can remove polyps to examine later but cannot check the entire colon
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT): These tests examine blood in the stool, which can show colorectal cancer
• Stool DNA tests*: This test analyzes a stool sample to look for cancer. The DNA can show a need for a colonoscopy

*These tests are not covered under the CRC Screening Initiative.

Can I get treatment through the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program?

No, the program only helps provide screening services

What does the program cover?

The program covers a FIT/FOBT test or a colonoscopy for eligible people ages 45-64. People ages 65-75 who don’t have medical coverage to pay for colorectal cancer screening can also qualify. People under age 45 with an increased risk of colorectal cancer can also be enrolled with prior approval

Where can I find cancer treatment?

If you receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis, use the contact information here or visit North Dakota’s Medicaid website to learn about treatment and financial aid options