Abstract PO-266: Factors affecting Appalachian Kentuckians' beliefs related to colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening

Abstract

Abstract Background: Rural Appalachian Kentucky has much higher colorectal cancer (CRC) morbidity (50.6 per 100,00) and mortality (19.8 per 100,000) than the U.S. Appalachian Kentucky CRC screening rates are 36% compared with 27% statewide and 53% nationally. This study assessed factors affecting Appalachian Kentuckians’ beliefs related to CRC and CRC screening. Methods: Appalachian Kentuckians 50 years of age and older who were not up-to-date on CRC screening (N = 190) completed a survey including subscales measuring perceived CRC susceptibility and perceived benefits of CRC screening. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests compared differences in beliefs and Spearman’s Rho examined the correlation between variables. Results: Sixty-two percent were concerned about developing CRC, and 94.7% had completed CRC screening previously. Participants felt more susceptible to CRC if they had a family history of CRC (p < .01) and if their healthcare provider recommended CRC screening (13.03 versus 12.19, p < .01). Perceived benefits of CRC screening were not significantly associated with demographic or healthcare access variables. Conclusions: Although many participants were concerned about developing CRC, very few had completed CRC screening. These findings and those of previous research provide information to guide tailored interventions to promote CRC screening in Appalachian Kentuckians. Individuals with a family history of cancer may perceive a higher CRC susceptibility and be more likely to complete CRC screening. Healthcare providers’ recommendations for CRC screening can influence perceived CRC susceptibility and potentially influence completion of CRC screening in this population. Citation Format: Mollie E. Aleshire, Adebola Adegboyega, Shuying Sha, Jennifer Hatcher. Factors affecting Appalachian Kentuckians' beliefs related to colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-266.