Increasing Lung Cancer Screening for High-Risk Smokers in a Frontier Population.

Northern Plains American Indians (AIs) have some of the highest smoking and lung cancer mortality rates in the USA. They are a high-risk population in which many are eligible for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening, but such screening is rarely used. This study investigated methods to increase LDCT utilization through both a provider and community intervention to lower lung cancer mortality rates. This study used the Precaution Adoption Model for provider and community interventions implemented in four study regions in western South Dakota. The goal was to increase LDCT screening for eligible participants. Intake surveys and LDCT screenings were compared at baseline and 6 months following the education programs for both interventions. A total of 131 providers participated in the provider intervention. At the 6-month follow-up survey, 31 (63%) referred at least one patient for LDCT (p < 0.05). Forty (32.3%) community participants reported their provider recommended an LDCT and of those, 30(75%) reported getting an LDCT (p < 0.05). A total of 2829 patient surveys were completed at the imaging sites and most (88%, n = 962) cited provider recommendation as their reason for obtaining an LDCT. Almost half (46%; n = 131) of the referring providers attended a provider education workshop, and 73% of the providers worked at a clinic that hosted at least one community education session. Over the study period, LDCT utilization increased from 640 to 1706, a 90.9% increase. The provider intervention had the strongest impact on LDCT utilization. This study demonstrated increased LDCT utilization through the provider intervention but increases also were documented for the other intervention combinations. The community-based education program increased both community and provider awareness on the value of LDCTs to lower lung cancer mortality rates.

Communication with physicians and family about breast Cancer recurrence.

Objective: Adequate physician-patient communication about cancer recurrence is vital to quality of life and to informed decision-making related to survivorship care. The current study was guided by a cognitive-affective framework to examine communication with family and physicians about breast cancer recurrence risk. Methods: A survey of recently-diagnosed, early-stage breast cancer patients in Appalachia investigated physician-patient and familial communication about breast cancer recurrence risk. Results: Over 30% of participants reported not talking to family or physicians about breast cancer recurrence risk. Younger patients reported more conversations, and speaking with physicians was associated with greater perception risk factors associated with recurrence risk. Greater worry about recurrence was associated with more communication with family and plans to talk to family, physicians, and friends about recurrence risk in the future. Conclusion: Additional supports for patients and physicians are needed to improve understanding of breast cancer recurrence risk and risk factors for recurrence. Innovation: Family communication about breast cancer recurrence risk is understudied. The combination of physician and family communication adds novelty to our analysis.

Accelerating Colorectal Cancer Screening and Follow-up through Implementation Science (ACCSIS) in Appalachia: protocol for a group randomized, delayed intervention trial.

Appalachian regions of Kentucky and Ohio are hotspots for colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality in the USA. Screening reduces CRC incidence and mortality; however, screening uptake is needed, especially in these underserved geographic areas. Implementation science offers strategies to address this challenge. The aim of the current study was to conduct multi-site, transdisciplinary research to evaluate and improve CRC screening processes using implementation science strategies. The study consists of two phases (Planning and Implementation). In the Planning Phase, a multilevel assessment of 12 health centers (HC) (one HC from each of the 12 Appalachian counties) was conducted by interviewing key informants, creating community profiles, identifying HC and community champions, and performing HC data inventories. Two designated pilot HCs chose CRC evidence-based interventions to adapt and implement at each level (i.e., patient, provider, HC, and community) with evaluation relative to two matched control HCs. During the Implementation Phase, study staff will repeat the rollout process in HC and community settings in a randomized, staggered fashion in the remaining eight counties/HCs. Evaluation will include analyses of electronic health record data and provider and county surveys. Rural HCs have been reluctant to participate in research because of concerns about capacity; however, this project should demonstrate that research does not need to be burdensome and can adapt to local needs and HC abilities. If effective, this approach could be disseminated to HC and community partners throughout Appalachia to encourage the uptake of effective interventions to reduce the burden of CRC.

We conducted a multi-site study to evaluate and improve CRC screening processes using implementation science strategies at multiple levels including the patient, provider, health center, and community. Our goals were to increase rates of guideline-recommended CRC screening, follow-up, and referral-to-care in an Appalachian, medically underserved population.

Effectiveness and implementation of mPATH™-CRC: a mobile health system for colorectal cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is widely recommended but underused, even though CRC is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the USA. The mPATH™ program is an iPad-based application designed to identify patients due for CRC screening, educate them on the commonly used screening tests, and help them select their best option, with the goal of increasing CRC screening rates. METHODS: The mPATH™ program consists of questions asked of all adult patients at check-in (mPATH™-CheckIn), as well as a module specific for patients due for CRC screening (mPATH™-CRC). In this study, the mPATH™ program is evaluated through a Type III hybrid implementation-effectiveness design. Specifically, the study consists of three parts: (1) a cluster-randomized controlled trial of primary care clinics comparing a "high touch" evidence-based implementation strategy with a "low touch" implementation strategy; (2) a nested pragmatic study evaluating the effectiveness of mPATH-CRC™ on completion of CRC screening; and (3) a mixed-methods study evaluating factors that facilitate or impede the maintenance of interventions like mPATH-CRC™. The primary objective is to compare the proportion of patients aged 50-74 who are eligible for CRC screening who complete mPATH™-CRC in the 6th month following implementation between the "high touch" and "low touch" implementation strategies. Effectiveness of mPATH™-CRC is evaluated by comparing the proportion who complete CRC screening within 16 weeks of their visit to the clinic between a pre-implementation cohort (8 months before implementation) and a post-implementation cohort (8 months after implementation). DISCUSSION: This study will provide data on both the implementation of the mPATH™ program and its effectiveness in improving screening rates for CRC. In addition, this work has the potential to have an even broader impact by identifying strategies to support the sustained use of other similar technology-based primary care interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03843957. Registered on 18 February 2019.

Beliefs and knowledge related to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among African Americans and African immigrants young adults.

BACKGROUND: Despite the disparate human papillomavirus (HPV) infection rates among sexually active Black young adults, HPV vaccine uptake remains low among this population. This study aimed to explore HPV beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge among Black young adults and provide recommendations on ways to improve vaccine uptake. METHODS: We used a mixed-method, convergent design to conduct five focus groups and administered a 40-item electronic survey that was developed with health belief model (HBM) constructs. We assessed HPV and vaccine knowledge, barriers, and attitudes toward vaccination. We analyzed quantitative data using descriptive statistics and bivariate methods. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Results were integrated to obtain a better understanding of the topic. RESULTS: Forty individuals participated in the study. The mean age was 22.2 ± 4.5 years and 55% identified as African immigrants. Integrated data revealed themes mapped to relevant HBM constructs. Almost one third (32.5%) of participants were unaware of their susceptibility to HPV infection and its severity. From focus group discussions, the majority (75%) believed that vaccines are beneficial. Major cues to action include promoting HPV vaccine uptake via community wide informational sessions, provider recommendation, and social and mass media campaigns. CONCLUSION: Barriers to vaccine uptake, limited HPV knowledge, and lack of vaccine recommendation are important factors contributing to low vaccine uptake among Black young adults. Interventions to decrease barriers to HPV vaccination, increase HPV knowledge, address misconceptions, and unfavorable beliefs are needed to promote HPV vaccine uptake.

Development and Evaluation of Patient Navigation Training for Rural and Appalachian Populations.

The Appalachian region of the USA includes 423 counties in 13 states positioned along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains stretching from New York to Mississippi. Approximately 42% of Appalachia is rural, and while the economy of Appalachia has diversified over the past two decades from reliance on agriculture and coal mining, 176 (41.6%) of the 423 counties are classified as economically distressed or at-risk. Patient navigation (PN) has been shown to be effective as an approach to address multiple barriers and enhance access to healthcare services, and yet there are no known PN programs focusing on the Appalachian population. This project was designed to develop, implement, and evaluate a curriculum and training program for PN for cancer prevention and control in Appalachia. The training program was developed through formative evaluation and offered daylong workshops that provided instruction in 60-90-min modules. Workshop topics included an introduction to PN, Appalachian culture, community needs assessment, communication, financial navigation, and navigation for screening and diagnostic follow-up for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. A total of 20 workshops were conducted with 334 attendees. The workshops were evaluated using a mixed-method approach using pre- and posttests and participant evaluations. The overall mean posttest scores increased by 4% from pretest (p < 0.05). Evaluation also showed that attendees valued the focus on Appalachian culture and judged the content relevant and useful. Attendees also expressed interest in additional opportunities for similar workshops that expanded upon current topics and allowed for exploration of Appalachian health-related issues.

A cluster randomized controlled trial for a multi-level, clinic-based smoking cessation program with women in Appalachian communities: study protocol for the "Break Free" program.

BACKGROUND: The cervical cancer burden is high among women living in Appalachia. Cigarette smoking, a cervical cancer risk factor, is also highly prevalent in this population. This project aims to increase smoking cessation among women living in Appalachia by embedding a smoking cessation program within a larger, integrated cervical cancer prevention program. METHODS: The broader program, the Take CARE study, is a multi-site research collaborative designed to address three risk factors for cervical cancer incidence and mortality: tobacco use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and cervical cancer screening. Break Free is a primary care clinic-based implementation program that aims to promote smoking cessation among female smokers in Appalachia by standardizing clinical practice protocols. Break Free includes: (1) implementation of a tobacco user identification system in the Electronic Health Record, (2) clinic staff and provider training on the Ask, Advise and Refer (AAR) model, (3) provider implementation of AAR to identify and treat women who want to quit smoking within the next 6 months, (4) facilitated access to cessation phone counseling plus pharmacotherapy, and (5) the bundling of Break Free tobacco cessation with HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening interventions in an integrated approach to cervical cancer prevention. The study spans 35 Appalachian health clinics across 10 healthcare systems. We aim to enroll 51 adult female smokers per health system (total N = 510). Baseline and follow-up data will be obtained from participant (provider and patient) surveys. The primary outcome is self-reported 12-month point prevalence abstinence among enrolled patients. All randomized patients are asked to complete follow-up surveys, regardless of whether they participated in tobacco treatment. Data analysis of the primary aims will follow intent-to-treat methodology. Secondary outcomes will assess program implementation and cost effectiveness. DISCUSSION: Addressing high tobacco use rates is critical for reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among women living in Appalachia. This study evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of a smoking cessation program in increasing smoking cessation among female smokers. If results demonstrate effectiveness and sustainability, implementation of this program into other health care clinics could reduce both rates of smoking and cervical cancer. Trial registration NCT04340531 (April 9, 2020).

Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing a Digital Informed Decision Making Tool in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Informed decision aids provide information in the context of the patient's values and improve informed decision making (IDM). To overcome barriers that interfere with IDM, our team developed an innovative iPad-based application (aka "app") to help patients make informed decisions about colorectal cancer screening. The app assesses patients' eligibility for screening, educates them about their options, and empowers them to request a test via the interactive decision aid. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to explore how informed decision aids can be implemented successfully in primary care clinics, including the facilitators and barriers to implementation; strategies for minimizing barriers; adequacy of draft training materials; and any additional support or training desired by clinics. DESIGN: This work deals with a multicenter qualitative study in rural and urban settings. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 48 individuals participated including primary care practice managers, clinicians, nurses, and front desk staff. APPROACH: Focus groups and semi-structured interviews, with data analysis were guided by thematic analysis. KEY RESULTS: Salient emergent themes were time, workflow, patient age, literacy, and electronic health record (EHR) integration. Saving time was important to most participants. Patient flow was a concern for all clinic staff, and they expressed that any slowdown due to patients using the iPad module or perceived additional work to clinic staff would make staff less motivated to use the program. Participants voiced concern about older patients being unwilling or unable to utilize the iPad and patients with low literacy ability being able to read or comprehend the information. CONCLUSION: Integrating new IDM apps into the current clinic workflow with minimal disruptions would increase the probability of long-term adoption and ultimate sustainability. NIH TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: R01CA218416-A1.

Qualitative assessment of attitudes toward cervical cancer (CC) screening and HPV self-sampling among African American (AA) and Sub Saharan African Immigrant (SAI) women.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the availability of preventive methods for cervical cancer (CC), uptake has been low among African American and Sub-Saharan Immigrant (AA/SAI) women. The purpose of this study was to understand AA/SAI women's values and beliefs of CC screening and explore willingness, acceptability, and concerns related to the HPV self-sampling method for CC. DESIGN: Thirty AA/SAI women participated in one of six focus groups, each lasted 60-90 min, and were held over Zoom video conferencing. The sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked for accuracy by research staff prior to data analysis. Transcripts were content analyzed by two qualitatively trained research staff. NVivo software was used for data management and analysis. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 33.67 ± 9.03, more than half were not married (53.3%), and less than half reported having health insurance coverage (46.7%). Participants included 16 AA and 14 SAI. Three main themes emerged from data analysis. (1) Beliefs and values related to CC Screening, (2) perceived barriers to attending CC screening, (3) recommendations to motivate regular CC screening. In addition, three factors emerged in the discussion on the HPV self-sampling method: confidence in ability to self-sample for CC, willingness to use HPV self-sampling kit, and result delivery. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a variety of reasons for the disproportionately low utilization of CC prevention services among AA/SAI women. Multidimensional approaches including educational and community engagement programs for this population could improve CC screening uptake and adoption of HPV self-sampling among AA/SAI women.

Culturally Relevant Online Cancer Education Supports Tribal Primary Care Providers to Reduce Their Cancer Risk and Share Information About Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Culturally relevant education is an opportunity to reduce health disparities, and online learning is an emerging avenue for health promotion. In 2014-2019, a team based at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium developed, implemented, and evaluated culturally relevant online cancer education modules with, and for, Alaska's tribal primary care providers. The project was guided by Indigenous Ways of Knowing and the principles of community-based participatory action research and was evaluated in alignment with empowerment theory. About 265 unique learners completed 1,898 end-of-module evaluation surveys between March 2015 and August 2019, and 13 people completed a follow-up survey up to 28 months post module completion. KEY FINDINGS: Learners described the modules as culturally respectful and informative and reported feeling more knowledgeable and comfortable talking about cancer as a result of the modules. About 98% of the learners planned to reduce their cancer risk because of the modules, and all follow-up survey respondents had reduced their risk, including by quitting smoking, getting screened for cancer, eating healthier, and exercising more. About 98% of the learners planned to share information with their patients, families, friends, and community members because of the modules, with all follow-up survey respondents indicating that they had shared information about cancer from the modules. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND FURTHER RESEARCH: Culturally relevant online modules have the capacity for positive behavioral change and relatively high correlations between intent and behavior change. Future research could determine which aspects of the modules catalyzed reduced cancer risk and increased dissemination of cancer information.

Psychological factors among Appalachian women with abnormal Pap results.

PURPOSE: Women who receive an abnormal Pap result may experience negative psychological factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the baseline occurrence of negative psychological factors and evaluate the relationships between psychological factors and demographic characteristics among Appalachian women who received abnormal Pap results. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from Appalachia Kentucky women (N = 521) ages ≥18 enrolled in an intervention. Data included sociodemographics, Beck depression and anxiety inventories, fatalism, and personal control measures. Multiple variable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between demographics and psychological factors. FINDINGS: Participants were predominantly White (96.2%), with mean age 28.93 ± 11.03 years, and the majority (77%) had yearly income below $20,000. Depression was reported by 34.6% (n = 173); 10% (n = 50) experienced moderate or severe anxiety; 20.6% (n = 107) had fatalistic beliefs; and 55.1% (n = 289) believed they lacked personal control over cancer. Women with lower income had higher occurrence of depression (P = .003). Women with moderate to severe anxiety were significantly older than those with low to moderate depression (34.44 vs 28.34, P < .001). Controlling for other variables, as age increased, the odds of fatalistic beliefs increased, OR (95%) = 1.042 (1.022, 1.062). When education level increased, the odds of fatalistic beliefs decreased, OR (95%) = 0.873 (0.800, 0.952). CONCLUSIONS: Given the high occurrence of depression, anxiety, and fatalistic beliefs among this population, health care providers should assess for underlying mental health diagnoses and psychological distress during each patient encounter and provide recommendations to address them.

HPV Testing Behaviors and Willingness to Use HPV Self-sampling at Home Among African American (AA) and Sub-Saharan African Immigrant (SAI) Women.

BACKGROUND: HPV self-sampling is an emerging HPV testing method that offers reliable identification of cervical precancer and cancer. To determine the feasibility of HPV self-sampling in the USA, information is needed regarding women's use of HPV test and willingness to use self-sampling, especially among disparate groups such as African American (AA) and sub-Saharan African immigrant (SAI) women. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with having had at least one HPV test and willingness to use HPV self-sampling among AA and SAI women. METHODS: AA and SAI women (n = 91) recruited from community settings completed a survey in a cross-sectional study. Data included sociodemographics, HPV and HPV testing knowledge, and willingness to use a HPV self-sampling test at home. Logistic regressions were performed to evaluate associations with having had a HPV test and willingness to use self-sampling. RESULTS: Respondents mean age was 38.2 years (SD = 12.6) and 65% were SAIs. The majority (84%) reported having had at least one Pap test and (36%) had at least one HPV test. Sixty-seven percent were willing to self-sample at home. Age, education, and HPV testing knowledge were associated with having had a HPV test. Being uninsured and likelihood to accept a Pap test if recommended were associated with willingness to use self-sampling at home for an HPV test. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers have an important role in recommending cervical cancer screening according to current guidelines. HPV self-sampling may be a promising strategy to reach older, less educated, uninsured, and underinsured Black women.

Building Cancer Prevention and Control Research Capacity in Rural Appalachian Kentucky Primary Care Clinics During COVID-19: Development and Adaptation of a Multilevel Colorectal Cancer Screening Project.

This study describes the development of a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening multilevel intervention with four primary care clinics in rural Appalachian Kentucky. We also discuss barriers experienced by the clinics during COVID-19 and how clinic limitations and needs informed project modifications. Four primary care clinics were recruited, key informant interviews with clinic providers were conducted, electronic health record (EHR) capacity to collect data related to CRC screening and follow-up was assessed, and a series of meetings were held with clinic champions to discuss implementation of strategies to impact clinic CRC screening rates. Analysis of interviews revealed multilevel barriers to CRC screening. Patient-level barriers included fatalism, competing priorities, and financial and literacy concerns. The main provider- and clinic-level barriers were provider preference for colonoscopy over stool-based testing and EHR tracking concerns. Clinics selected strategies to address barriers, but the onset of COVID-19 necessitated modifications to these strategies. Due to COVID-19, changes in clinic staffing and workflow occurred, including provider furloughs, a state-mandated pause in elective procedures, and an increase in telehealth. Clinics adapted screening strategies to match changing needs, including shifting from paper to digital educational tools and using telehealth to increase annual wellness visits for screening promotion. While significant delays persist for scheduling colonoscopies, clinics were encouraged to promote stool-based tests as a primary screening modality for average-risk patients.

Increasing Cervical Cancer Prevention Through HPV Testing: Challenges in Developing Persuasive Messages.

Decades of promotion of the Pap test have fallen short in persuading vulnerable women to get screened for cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing provides an additional screening tool, and the task for cancer control is to promote understanding of the test and encourage its use. Ogden and colleagues investigated the effect of message framing on increasing knowledge and intention to receive HPV testing. Although both messages increased knowledge and intention, no differences were found between gain- and loss-framed messages. We explore implications of this finding and discuss needed research to expand upon and contextualize this important formative research.See related article, p. 839.

Older and younger patients' perceptions, evaluations, and responses to worsening heart failure symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Whether recognition and prompt response to worsening symptoms are worse in older compared with younger patients with heart failure (HF) is unclear. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare older and younger patients (1) perceptions, evaluations, and responses to worsening HF symptoms, and (2) responses once worsening symptoms were perceived. METHODS: A mixed-methods study was conducted and to compare data between older (≥ 65) and younger (< 65) in 185 patients hospitalized with HF. RESULTS: There were few differences attributed to age. In response to higher perceived symptom distress, patients in both groups did nothing and hoped their symptoms would go away (p = 0.004), ignored symptoms and continued doing what they were doing (p = 0.002), or laid down to relax (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients, regardless of age, did not recognize, interpret, and respond appropriately to HF symptoms. Interventions should be tested that target better symptom appraisal and promote appropriate symptom responses in patients with HF across all ages.

Development of a multilevel intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening in Appalachia.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are lower in Appalachian regions of the United States than in non-Appalachian regions. Given the availability of various screening modalities, there is critical need for culturally relevant interventions addressing multiple socioecological levels to reduce the regional CRC burden. In this report, we describe the development and baseline findings from year 1 of "Accelerating Colorectal Cancer Screening through Implementation Science (ACCSIS) in Appalachia," a 5-year, National Cancer Institute Cancer MoonshotSM-funded multilevel intervention (MLI) project to increase screening in Appalachian Kentucky and Ohio primary care clinics. METHODS: Project development was theory-driven and included the establishment of both an external Scientific Advisory Board and a Community Advisory Board to provide guidance in conducting formative activities in two Appalachian counties: one in Kentucky and one in Ohio. Activities included identifying and describing the study communities and primary care clinics, selecting appropriate evidence-based interventions (EBIs), and conducting a pilot test of MLI strategies addressing patient, provider, clinic, and community needs. RESULTS: Key informant interviews identified multiple barriers to CRC screening, including fear of screening, test results, and financial concerns (patient level); lack of time and competing priorities (provider level); lack of reminder or tracking systems and staff burden (clinic level); and cultural issues, societal norms, and transportation (community level). With this information, investigators then offered clinics a menu of EBIs and strategies to address barriers at each level. Clinics selected individually tailored MLIs, including improvement of patient education materials, provision of provider education (resulting in increased knowledge, p = .003), enhancement of electronic health record (EHR) systems and development of clinic screening protocols, and implementation of community CRC awareness events, all of which promoted stool-based screening (i.e., FIT or FIT-DNA). Variability among clinics, including differences in EHR systems, was the most salient barrier to EBI implementation, particularly in terms of tracking follow-up of positive screening results, whereas the development of clinic-wide screening protocols was found to promote fidelity to EBI components. CONCLUSIONS: Lessons learned from year 1 included increased recognition of variability among the clinics and how they function, appreciation for clinic staff and provider workload, and development of strategies to utilize EHR systems. These findings necessitated a modification of study design for subsequent years. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial NCT04427527 is registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov and was registered on June 11, 2020.

An Evaluation of Cancer Education Webinars in Alaska.

Culturally relevant health promotion is an opportunity to reduce health inequities in the cancer burden, and online learning is an emerging avenue for health promotion. To address a desire for synchronous online cancer education, a project team offered ten 1-hr cancer education webinars for Alaska's rural tribal health workers. The project was guided by the framework of Community-Based Participatory Action Research, honored Indigenous Ways of Knowing, and was informed by Empowerment Theory. The evaluation of this community-based intervention included end-of-webinar surveys. Between February and April 2018, 41 surveys were completed by 11 unique participants. All participants reported that, as a result of the webinars, they planned both to change their own behavior to reduce cancer risk, and to talk with their patients more often about cancer prevention strategies such as screenings, physical activity, tobacco cessation, and eating healthy. While the webinars addressed desires for synchronous actions to support cancer learning, and led to intentions to positive change behaviors, the ten webinars engaged far fewer unique learners than the team's asynchronous cancer education modules. This experience may inform other cancer educators' efforts to develop, implement, and evaluate online learning opportunities. Despite the small numbers, these webinars resulted in increased learners' intent to reduce cancer risk behaviors, share cancer information, and improved learners' capacity to talk about cancer in their communities.

Factors Contributing to Delay in Specialist Care After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis in Kentucky.

BACKGROUND: Abundant studies have associated colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment delay with advanced diagnosis and worse mortality. Delay in seeking specialist is a contributor to CRC treatment delay. The goal of this study is to investigate contributing factors to 14-d delay from diagnosis of CRC on colonoscopy to the first specialist visit in the state of Kentucky. METHODS: The Kentucky Cancer Registry (KCR) database linked with health administrative claims data was queried to include adult patients diagnosed with stage I-IV CRC from January 2007 to December 2012. The dates of the last colonoscopy and the first specialist visit were identified through the claims. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with delay to CRC specialist visit. RESULTS: A total of 3927 patients from 100 hospitals in Kentucky were included. Approximately, 19% of patients with CRC visited a specialist more than 14 d after CRC detection on colonoscopy. Delay to specialist (DTS) was found more likely in patients with Medicaid insurance (OR 3.1, P < 0.0001), low and moderate education level (OR 1.4 and 1.3, respectively, P = 0.0127), and stage I CRC (OR 1.5, P < 0.0001). There was a higher percentage of delay to specialist among Medicaid patients (44.0%) than Medicare (18.0%) and privately insured patients (18.8%). CONCLUSIONS: We identified Medicaid insurance, low education attainment, and early stage CRC diagnosis as independent risk factors associated with 14-d delay in seeking specialist care after CRC detection on colonoscopy.