Colorectal Cancer ECHO

About Colorectal Cancer ECHO Series

This page is no longer being updated as of April 1, 2026

This virtual series was designed to advance priorities outlined in the Indiana Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027, focusing on key aspects of colorectal cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship care. Despite progress, Indiana's colorectal cancer screening rate (71.2%) remains below the 80% target, and disparities persist among rural, low-income, and minority populations.

This free, virtual series offered evidence-based strategies to help reduce colorectal cancer rates and improve patient outcomes. We aimed to create a collaborative space to share resources, learn from one another, and create a meaningful change.

The Colorectal Cancer ECHO series met online via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 12:00 - 1:15 pm ET.

Click here to be taken to our current Cancer ECHO program series.

Our Audience

Each session is designated with a specific professional audience in mind; however, every ECHO is open to all members of the health team, and we welcome the opportunity for cross-collaboration.

Content is best suited for primary care practitioners, including:

  • Physicians
  • Advanced Practice Providers
  • Oncologists
  • Nurses
  • Social Workers
  • Nutritionist
  • Medical and Non-Medical Case Managers
  • Patient Navigators
  • Community-Based Organizations working in Cancer Care
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Cancer Researchers
  • Pharmacists
  • Hospital Administration and Insurance Personnel

Join as Your Schedule Allows

Participants can join the Colorectal Cancer ECHO series at any point in the series.

Recordings and resources from prior sessions are available through the ECHO Online Resource Library to all registered learners.

Didactic Topic Schedule

Didactic topics are subject to change

Date

Didactic Topic

October 7, 2025Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention in Rural Women
October 21, 2025Enhancing Screening Access in Rural Communities
November 4, 2025Promoting Nutrition-Based Cancer Prevention and Post-Treatment Wellness
November 18, 2025Expanding Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Indiana: A Grant-Funded Initiative
December 2, 2025Understanding Lynch Syndrome and the Role of Genetic Counseling in Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
December 16, 2025Cancelled for the holiday break
January 6, 2026Supporting Cancer Survivors Through Recurrence Concerns
January 20, 2026Integrating Palliative and Hospice Care for Improved Quality of Life
February 3, 2026Supporting Life After Colorectal Cancer: Tools, Resources, and Survivorship Programs
February 17, 2026Addressing Gaps in Impacted Populations
March 3, 2026Ensuring Insurance Coverage and Improving Access to Treatment

 

Free Continuing Education Credits

Live attendees are eligible to earn free continuing medical education credits with the Indiana University School of Medicine, specialty credits with the American Academy of Family Physicians, and credits for certified health education specialists with the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

The Indiana University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Top Cancers in Indiana

According to the Indiana Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027, the top cancers affecting Hoosiers are:

  1. Lung Cancer
  2. Colorectal Cancer
  3. HPV and Cancers of the Head, Neck, and Oral Cavity
  4. Lymphoid & Blood Forming Tissues Cancer
  5. Breast Cancer
  6. Kidney & Urinary Bladder Cancer
  7. Prostate Cancer

Tim Ardnt

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Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Director | Indiana Department of Health

Tim has worked in public health for over 20 years.  Starting with non-profit foundations focused on prevention and services, and for the last 5 years, as a part of the Cancer Section at the Indiana Department of Health, managing the state’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. 

Kate Caufield

headshot of Kate Caufield

Associate Director, Cancer Center Partnerships | American Cancer Society

Kate Caufield is completing her 8th year at the American Cancer Society as Associate Director, Cancer Center Partnerships. In this role, she leads strategic collaborations with cancer centers around the state to advance shared priorities in cancer prevention, screening, and health equity. Kate works across academic, clinical, and community systems to align research, program implementation, and policy advocacy in service of more equitable outcomes for all people facing cancer.

Kate is passionate about connecting people, ideas, and institutions to drive change in cancer care. When she’s not at work, Kate is probably spending time with her husband of almost 26 years and adult children or out hiking in the woods with the family rescue dog. 

Mirian Ramirez, MLIS

Mirian Ramirez

Librarian • Ruth Lilly Medical Library | Indiana University School of Medicine

Mirian currently serves as a research metrics librarian at the Ruth Lilly Medical Library, where she supports researchers with the analysis and applications of scholarly impact metrics. Since joining the Cancer ECHO team in 2020, she provides database demonstrations and specialized information to caregivers and healthcare professionals. 

Mary Robertson, MPH

Mary Robertson headshot

Cancer Prevention and Screening Lead | IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

In her role as Cancer Prevention and Screening Lead, Mary provides leadership and advancement of strategic plans, statewide initiatives, and high-level collaborative partnerships to reduce the cancer burden. Previously, Mary served as Executive Director of the Indiana Cancer Consortium (ICC), Indiana’s statewide comprehensive cancer coalition.

Mary is a graduate of Purdue University and received her master’s degree in public health from Indiana University. Over the past seven years, Mary has worked and volunteered for several Indiana nonprofits and has a passion for improving the health of all Hoosiers. 

Tamika Turner, DNP, NP-C, AOCNP

Tamika Turner headshot

Nurse Practitioner | Weatherby Healthcare

Dr. Tamika Turner has been a registered nurse since 1999. She earned a Master of Science degree with a focus in primary care nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in December 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Since then, she has served at several Indiana hospitals, specializing in adult oncology/hematology. She has been active in providing patient and family education regarding symptom management and survivorship care.

Over the past year, she has worked as a Locum and traveled to various states to take care of those diagnosed with cancer. Her career experience includes general medical oncology and hematology, bone marrow transplant, breast surgery, hospice, survivorship care, retail health, palliative care, and home care.

Dr. Turner completed her DNP through Indiana Wesleyan University in 2016. She is dedicated to educating patients and families to live healthier lives and advocate for their health care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons, six grandkids, and other family members.