Cancer Screening Network
The MCA Cancer Screening Network brings together representatives from Minnesota health insurance, health care clinics and patient advocate groups to improve state screening rates and reduce state screening disparities. The network is a space for formal updates from MCA screening workgroups and partners that want to share their work or seek partnerships that align with the Cancer Plan Early Detection strategies.
Quarterly meetings often focus on increasing access to, delivery of or demand for screening through clinic learning collaboratives or community health worker initiatives.
- Provide professional development opportunities
- Encourage the sharing of best and promising practices
- Explore opportunities to expand screening for the uninsured
- Engage network participants and their host institutions in Alliance activities and initiatives
- Actively involve health insurance companies, hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates in the projects aligned with Cancer Plan Minnesota objectives and strategies
Colon Cancer Workgroup
The colon cancer workgroup brings together representatives from Minnesota health insurance, health care clinics, and patient advocate groups to improve state screening rates and reduce state screening disparities. Priorities include the promotion of multiple screening tests and the development of culturally appropriate messaging. For years this group has also coordinated an annual March #BlueForCRC Colorectal Cancer Awareness campaign: https://coloncancercoalition.org/events/blueforcrc/.
Colorectal Cancer Summit
On November 12th, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Cancer Alliance, and the American Cancer Society co-hosted a meeting to bring health care payors, providers and patient advocates together to explore ways we can coordinate and collaborate to increase cancer screening. Through a combination of presentation and small group discussions (in-person or online) we developed strategies for mutual success in 2025.
Location: American Cancer Society; 950 Blue Gentian Rd, Eagan, MN 55121 Time: 10am – 3pm CST
Agenda
Welcome and Background for the Meeting
Angie Rolle, VP Community Impact, American Cancer Society
Understanding the Issue
Chris Campbell, Research Scientist, Minnesota Department of Health
Jessica Donovan, Clinical Measure Analyst, MN Community Measurement
Panel 1: Access and Delivery of Screening
Shannon Norman, Clinic Manager, Hennepin Healthcare
Jesus Chacon, Clinic Manager, Hennepin Healthcare
Aimee Bellingar, Clinical Quality Improvement Manager, CHSI
Natasha Haukos, Quality Specialist, Sanford Health
Jenna Buckner, Senior Clinical Project Manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield MN
Panel 2: Increasing Demand
Anne Book, Quality Improvement Director, HealthPartners
Melissa Buffalo, CEO, American Indian Cancer Foundation
Monisha Washington, Executive Director, Breast Cancer GAPS Project
Francisco Ramirez, Community Education Supervisor, M Health Fairview
Meeting Close and Next Steps
To view the recording, use passcode: n5++zz^5
Lung Cancer Screening Workgroup
The Minnesota Cancer Reporting System (MCRS) has several lung cancer resources available online. Review the resources below:
Network Chairs
-
Matt Flory Commission on Cancer Network Co-Chair; Cancer Screening Network Co-Chair; American Cancer Society -
Erin Peterson Nominations Committee Chair; Cancer Screening Network Co-Chair; Colon Cancer Coalition
