An innovative strategy to reach the underserved for colorectal cancer screening.

Hispanics are an underserved population in terms of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the second leading cause of cancer incidence among Hispanic men and women, and Hispanics have lower screening rates than non-Hispanic whites. The overall purpose of this project was to provide CRC information, education, and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kits to Hispanics in a rural three-county region of Washington State. We held a series of 47 community health fair events that incorporated the use of a giant inflatable, walk-through colon model with physical depictions of healthy tissue, polyps, and CRC. We used a pre/post-design to look for changes in familiarity with CRC before and after walking through the colon among adults aged 18 and older (n = 947). McNemar's test analysis indicated significant differences in the distribution of the percentage of correct participant responses to CRC-related questions from pre- to post-test after an educational tour of the colon. Results from logistic regression analysis identified multiple participant characteristics associated with self-reported likelihood of being screened for CRC in 3 months following post-test. We distributed 300 free FOBT kits to be analyzed at no charge to the end user and to attendees aged 50 and older who toured the inflatable colon; 226 FOBT kits (75.3%) were returned for analysis. The use of the inflatable colon was an innovative way to attract people to learn about CRC and CRC screening modalities. Furthermore, the response to our distribution of FOBT kits indicates that if given the opportunity for education and access to services, this underserved population will comply with CRC screening.

Evaluation of Cancer 101: an educational program for native settings.

This community-based intervention study examines the impact of Cancer 101, a cancer education resource developed in collaboration with American Indians/Alaska Natives to improve cancer knowledge, action regarding cancer control in tribal settings, and survival rates for members of their communities. Pre/post-surveys used to assess knowledge, attitudes, perceived benefits and future activities at baseline, immediately post-training, and at 4-6 months. Participants demonstrated significant change in knowledge, attitude, and cancer control activities. Cancer 101 provides a critical pathway to increase knowledge and promote action to reduce the burden and improve survival of cancer within tribal communities.

Breast and colorectal cancer risk communication approaches with low-income African-American and Hispanic women: implications for healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: Information on breast and colorectal cancer risk factors is widely available to women and the physicians who provide their healthcare; however, many women are unable to identify the major risk factors, continue to misperceive their personal risk of developing these cancers, and do not engage in routine early detection. METHODS: Qualitative methods were used to investigate breast and colorectal cancer risk knowledge, perceptions, behaviors, and risk communication formats with low-income African-American and Hispanic study participants in Harlem, NY, aged 40-60 years. RESULTS: Focus group results indicated strong participant interest in strategies necessary to understand and reduce the risk of developing breast and colorectal cancers. Preferred risk communication tools presented information about family history and personal risk in graphic and quantitative formats. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals who serve low-income African-American and Hispanic female populations should deliver information to them about the personal risk of developing targeted cancers and ways to reduce this risk in formats that are meaningful and effectively address the special needs of these populations.