The Study Committee on Cancer Care Access convened on May 29, 2025, at 7:00 AM, to address critical issues surrounding cancer screening and access in Georgia. The meeting featured presentations from healthcare professionals, including Dr. Kush Desai, who emphasized the importance of cancer screening, particularly for colorectal cancer, in saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.

Dr. Desai, an internist and assistant dean at the Southwest Georgia campus of Augusta University, outlined the significant impact of early cancer detection. He highlighted that screening can prevent advanced-stage diseases, which are often more costly to treat. He presented data indicating that increasing colorectal cancer screening rates could save millions in healthcare costs while significantly reducing mortality rates.

The discussion revealed that Georgia's screening rates are concerningly low. For instance, colorectal cancer screening stood at only 58% in 2022, ranking Georgia 39th out of 50 states. Breast cancer screening was slightly better, with Georgia ranking 27th, while cervical cancer screening was more favorable at 8th place. Dr. Desai pointed out that Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving rural populations reported even lower screening rates, underscoring the disparities in access to care.

The committee also explored the physician workforce in Georgia, noting a shortage of family medicine and internal medicine practitioners, particularly in South Georgia. This lack of healthcare providers contributes to the low screening rates, as access to necessary services is limited.

In response to questions from committee members, Dr. Desai discussed the need for enhanced education and outreach to primary care physicians regarding screening protocols. He mentioned successful initiatives in East Georgia that improved screening rates through provider education and the use of virtual training platforms.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a more coordinated statewide effort to improve cancer screening rates, drawing comparisons to South Carolina's successful statewide cancer prevention network. The committee acknowledged that addressing these issues could lead to significant improvements in cancer care access and outcomes for Georgians.

Next steps include exploring potential policy changes to enhance screening access and considering the role of advanced practice providers in expanding screening capabilities in underserved areas. The committee plans to continue discussions on these critical issues in future meetings.