A demonstration project: Providing colon cancer screening to homeless people—Capitalizing on community partnerships.

Abstract

e18009 Background: Homeless people encounter many barriers to healthcare and preventative services, while having an increased prevalence of most risk factors for cancer. A group of homeless adults (40) receiving services from Preble Street in Portland Maine were successfully provided access, support and coaching to participate in colon cancer screening using Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) over a period of six weeks. Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute (MMCCI) recruited a Physician champion, while Preble Street gathered multiple internal and external community partners and together help plan the project identify resources needed, plan for data collection and address potential barriers for participation. Methods: Community partners (MMCCI, Preble Street, Casco Bay Surgery, NorDx, MaineHealth Care Partners and Homeless Health Partners Case Managers, Me Health LRC, and Maine Medical Center Magnet Council) created a detailed protocol to be used to overcome barriers and facilitate screening. The combination of a simple screening tool and caseworker relationship proved to be an effective strategy. Community Partners were used to identify barriers in the process, monitor all test results and navigate patients testing positive to colonoscopy. Small incentives of $10 food cards were provided for those participating in the screening event. Results: Of the 40 participants who were screened 8 (20%) tested positive and are in colonoscopy follow-up, with ages ranging from 50-74 years. The majority of participants 28 (70%) reported never having a provider conversation about colon cancer screening. Conclusions: Providing cancer prevention education and access to screening can have a positive impact on early detection in the homeless population. Identifying practical barriers and solutions are essential to improving cancer screening participation for homeless people.