Contents Executive Summary Introduction   Project Charge Steering Committee Plan Development Process and Timeline Acknowledgments The Challenge: Colorectal Cancer in Texas   What is Colorectal Cancer? Risk Factors Incidence and Mortality Prevention and Screening Guidelines Current Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Access to and Availability of Services Financial and Policy Issues Current Resources   The Texas Cancer Council The American Cancer Society, Texas Division The Cancer Information Service The Texas Cancer Data Center The Cancer Gateway of Texas Texas Department of Health The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Cancer Care Facilities Physician Specialists Non-Physician Healthcare Professionals Physician Oncology Education Program Nurse Oncology Education Program National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Recommendations Conclusion References Appendices   A. Texas Counties with Highest Colorectal Cancer Mortality, 1990-97   B. Texas Medical Association Physician Survey   C. ACS Division Colorectal Cancer Outcomes, 2000-2005   D. Windsor Village United Methodist Church LIFE Ministry Strategic Plan		Nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other “physician extenders” are professionally qualified, with appropriate education and training, to provide cancer prevention counseling and instruction on proper use of FOBT, as well as to perform flexible sigmoidoscopy.