Abstract A12: Developing an intervention to promote colorectal cancer control among multiethnic minorities

Abstract

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Screening for colorectal cancer has been shown to be effective in reducing incidence and mortality from the disease. Yet, Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System data has shown that minority populations (African American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander) are less likely to report being up to date with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and having a colonoscopy within 10 years (60.0, 46.0, and 49.9%), when compared to whites (62.5%). Many barriers (lack of transportation, lack of access, fear, fatalism, low levels of health literacy, and lower levels of English proficiency) to CRC screening among minorities have been reported. However, studies have also demonstrated navigators, which include lay persons and health professional from the community to be effective at increasing screening among minority populations. Purpose: To increase capacity for navigators to promote colorectal cancer prevention and control in their community and/or health care setting. Methods: Twenty-two multiethnic navigators from partnering organizations that provide healthcare services for African American, Asian, and Latino communities were invited to participate in the “A Walk through the Cure” intervention. Participants were led on a walking tour of colorectal cancer care related centers, including Colorectal Health Center, Colorectal Surgery, Oncology Clinic and Infusion Center, Oncology Radiation Center and Cancer Resource Center at the University of Chicago Medicine. Each stop of the tour was staffed by a faculty member. A mini lecture was given by the faculty at each stop and participants were encouraged to ask questions. The tour lasted about two hours. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a survey with open-ended questions. Findings: All participants demonstrated an increase in colorectal cancer control related knowledge, by comparing a pre and post self-assessment. Additionally, the navigators reported that their increased knowledge and familiarity with the CRC screening and treatment process facilitated increased levels of confidence to encourage patients or community members to screen for CRC. “I have accurate statistics related to CRC and the importance of screening, which helps me encourage patients or people in my community to do screening without any fear.” Conclusion: This data indicates the importance of innovative strategies to facilitate increased capacity among navigators to promote colorectal cancer prevention and control in minority communities. Citation Format: Lisa Hinton, Helen Lam, Karen Kim. Developing an intervention to promote colorectal cancer control among multiethnic minorities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A12.