Abstract C114: Indigenizing and ruralizing NCI’s Screen to Save Program: Resources, Optimizing Outreach, Teaching, Science (ROOTS)

Abstract

Abstract Resources, Optimizing Outreach, Teaching and Science (ROOTS) for Indigenous populations was a virtually adapted colorectal screening program to decrease cancer health disparities while increasing knowledge about culturally tailored screening processes. Indigenous and rural community outreach teams partnered with a community advisory board to provide an Indigenized/ruralized version of the NCI Screen to Save (S2S) program delivered to both Indigenous rural/sub-urban communities. 169 pre/post surveys were obtained from 82 participants. Findings demonstrated participants were able to identify smoking, tobacco use, and lack of physical activity as risk factors for colorectal cancer. Post intervention, participants were more likely to get screened for colorectal cancer and talk with family friends about their colorectal cancer screening experience increase physical activity. Additional adaptions were investigated for Two-Spirit and Native American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual urban populations (n=6 virtual roundtables; n=14 participants). Findings from the overall ROOTS program suggested culturally tailored intervention messaging are an important means for increasing screening and decreasing cancer health disparities among both Indigenous and rural populations. Primary results from Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ adaption included understanding past mindsets and experiences of healthcare professionals; a need for continued lay translations, importance of community marketing beyond health centers; and more information on follow up details including central contact information. Citation Format: Rodney C. Haring, William Maybee, Josie Raphaelito, Corrine Abrams. Indigenizing and ruralizing NCI’s Screen to Save Program: Resources, Optimizing Outreach, Teaching, Science (ROOTS) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C114.