Community Members' Input into Cancer Prevention Campaign Development and Experience Being Featured in the Campaign.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increased and CRC screening rates are lower among Appalachia Ohio residents. OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe 1) a partnership of cancer researchers and community members that developed county-specific media campaigns to improve CRC screening rates (intervention) and fruit and vegetable consumption (control) and 2) the experience of community members featured in the campaigns. METHODS: Community members assisted with campaign development, were featured in campaigns, identified locations for materials, and promoted the campaigns. Campaigns included billboards, posters, and information in local newspapers. A mailed survey assessed featured community members' experiences in the campaigns. LESSONS LEARNED Ongoing communication among members of the partnership was critical to successful community-level campaigns. Featured community members had mostly positive experiences about being included in the campaigns. CONCLUSIONS: Having a shared vision, ongoing trust, and good communication are essential elements to maintaining a viable academic-community partnership.