An independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health this week recommended removing financial barriers to colorectal cancer screening and other strategies to increase national screening rates. Although screening rates in the target population of adults over age 50 have roughly doubled since 1997, to about 55%, the panel said targeted initiatives to improve screening rates could further reduce colorectal cancers and deaths. The panel found that insurance coverage and access to a regular health care provider are the most important factors associated with being screened, and highlighted the need to remove out-of-pocket costs for screening tests. Given the variety of tests available, the panel emphasized that informed decisions incorporating personal preferences may help reluctant individuals identify and obtain the most palatable test, among other recommendations.