Northwest Colorectal Cancer Task Force

Participate in preventing and treating colorectal cancer

The Northwest Colorectal Cancer Task Force (NW CRC Task Force) is a collaboration of Washington State Colorectal Cancer Task Force and the Oregon State Colorectal Cancer Task Force. It encompasses a diverse group of individuals and organizations from the states of Oregon and Washington who have shared interest in reducing the burden of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and related health inequities in these states. 

Learn more about this task force (PDF).

Northwest Colorectal Cancer Task Force Logo A dark blue circle with the maps of Washington and Oregon states in the center holding letters NW CRC and words NW Colorectal Cancer at the top and Task Force below the map.

 


About the NW CRC Task Force

What is the NW CRC Task Force?

The Northwest Colorectal Cancer Task Force (NW CRC Task Force) includes members from both Oregon and Washington who represent different public, private, and nonprofit organizations that work towards reducing the burden of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and related health inequities in these states.

Our Mission

Our mission is to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer and related health inequities in the Northwest region by improving cancer screening rates and outcomes. We strive to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer in the region through collaborative efforts and fostering partnerships with diverse populations and organizations working across cancer care continuum to:

  • Increase prevention efforts
  • Promote screening
  • Improve access to care
  • Bolster survivorship support
  • Spread awareness


Member Expectations

Who are the members? 

Our members include health care providers, public health professionals, researchers, community health educators, community health workers, patient navigators, colorectal cancer survivors and community leaders among others.

The leadership team includes American Cancer Society, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, and the state Department of Health. Currently this task force has one working group for CRC communication campaigns.

Member expectations and time commitment
  • Participation in the WA State CRC Task Force includes attending quarterly meetings.
    • The NW CRC Task Force members meet 3 to 4 times a year in quarterly meetings on Zoom.
    • Duration of the meetings is 2 hours
  • Participation in the working groups is encouraged, if you would like to contribute more towards planning and implementing the task force projects
    • Currently has only one workgroup: Communication campaign workgroup
    • Workgroups meet on need basis and the availability of group members


Meetings

Quarterly meetings? 

The 2-hour quarterly meetings offer task force members opportunities to learn and share the latest information on CRC, as well as identify, discuss, and find solutions together to address the barriers in accessing CRC screening and treatment services across these states. Through these meetings, we provide:

  • Education
  • Training
  • Latest research
  • Data
  • Resources and materials
  • Networking with peers
  • Coordinate efforts, overcome challenges, and accomplish goals together
Workgroup meetings

The communication campaign workgroup meets occasionally for one hour to plan and develop communication campaign materials, implement, and coordinate related activities.

Meeting Schedule

October 7, 2025, 9 to 11 a.m.

Past Meeting Slides and Notes

2025

2024                               

2023


Resources 

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign Materials from NW CRC Task Force

March is colorectal cancer awareness month

Throughout the month of March, the state Department of Health in partnership with the Northwest Colorectal Cancer Task Force, engages in a public education campaign aimed at reducing colorectal cancer burden by increasing awareness and alleviating barriers to screening. Colorectal cancer is completely preventable with screening. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined. Infographics and Weekly topic briefers are available below:

2024 CRC Awareness Month Communication Campaign

Weekly Topic Briefers:

Podcast Episodes:

As part of 2024 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month campaign, the NW CRC Task Force's communication campaign workgroup coordinated a podcast series on Colorectal Cancer in partnership with Colon Cancer Stars, and Cancer Pathways. Listen to the four episodes in this podcast series: 

2023 CRC Awareness Month Communication Campaign

Social Media Post & Newsletter:

Inflatable Colons and Other In-Person Event Resources

Oregon

 Inflatable Colons:

  • Multnomah County (Oregon) Health Department:
  • OHSU/Knight Institute (Oregon):

 

Washington

Inflatable Colons:

Polyp Costume:

General Resources
Resources on Lynch Syndrome & Genetic Risk Factors for CRC

If you would like to become involved or get more information about the NW CRC Task Force, email Char Raunio, ACS State Partnerships.   

 

For questions about upcoming meetings or to post upcoming CRC events on this page, email Sahla Suman at the state Department of Health.

 

Go to the WA CARES homepage on this site.