Abstract 5938: Administering colorectal cancer education via an inflatable colon with the underrepresented and underserved population of Arizona

Abstract

Abstract Background: The state of Arizona has a diverse population, with the Latino (31.7%) and American Indian/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) (5.3%) populations higher than the national average of 18.5% and 1.3%, respectively. The colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among Latinos is 54.8% and AI/AN is 35%, compared to the overall Arizona screening rate of 62.6%, potentially contributing to higher CRC mortality rates in these groups. Objective: Utilizing an inflatable colon to measuring CRC knowledge and intent to screen among Arizona’s diverse populations by administering a pre/post test. Methods: An inflatable colon with signs in both English and Spanish describes the progression of CRC. Spanish-speaking health educators and culturally tailored flip charts geared toward the AI/AN population are utilized at community events throughout Arizona. Survey distribution measured pre- and post-CRC knowledge and intent to screen following a walking tour of the inflatable colon. Additional efforts include the production of a virtual tour of the giant colon in English and Spanish as an educational tool easily accessible on the UArizona Cancer Center YouTube page. Results: Convenience sampling is utilized, and participants are recruited at outreach events where the inflatable colon is set up (n=15). Preliminary findings show that individuals increased their knowledge about CRC (76.9% vs 100%), understanding the pathology of CRC (i.e., colon polyp, normal colon tissue vs. cancerous tissue, etc.) (53.8% vs 100%), and CRC screening recommendations (30.8% vs 91.7%). Conclusions: Colorectal cancer education is reaching diverse populations in Arizona. CRC education is delivered in both English and Spanish, and additional CRC educational tools such as the culturally tailored colon health flipbook for AI/AN population are utilize. The use of the inflatable colon has increased CRC knowledge, CRC pathology, and CRC screening options. Citation Format: Desiree Jones, Gabriela Ruiz, Juan Contreras, Rene D. Herrera, Amanda A. Lee, Monica Yellowhair, Jennifer Hatcher. Administering colorectal cancer education via an inflatable colon with the underrepresented and underserved population of Arizona [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5938.