Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA, yet is highly preventable and detectable at an early stage through screening. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) implemented a worksite colon cancer awareness program to increase colorectal cancer screening rates and preventive lifestyle behaviors among its employees. The Colon Cancer–Free Zone program is designed using best practice principles of worksite health programs and includes information sessions covering the topics of colorectal cancer, screening guidelines, insurance coverage, and preventive lifestyle behaviors. It is conducted in a campaign format that includes a strategic communication strategy targeting relevant screening barriers and facilitators, peer champions, and incentives. The program was implemented with VCE employees statewide utilizing a web-based system for the information sessions, and resulted in broad participation, a significant increase in screening self-efficacy (4.15 ± 0.64 vs 3.81 ± 0.76, ρ = 0.006), changes in diet and physical activity (50% and 40% of participants, respectively), and a 20.6% increase in the employee colorectal cancer screening rate. A Colon Cancer–Free Zone toolkit was developed for use by Extension Agents to implement the program at worksites in their service communities.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancerrelated death in the USA among men and women; yet it is highly preventable and detectable through healthy lifestyles and screening [1, 2]
Responses to questions related to severity of colorectal cancer indicated that the majority felt a diagnosis of CRC would bring long lasting problems that would change their life, only slightly more than half of respondents (57.5%) indicated a fear of getting colorectal cancer
There is strong evidence that worksite wellness programs founded on evidence-based principles can impact employee lifestyle behaviors and health outcomes, and examples of their application to promote cancer screening exist [15, 21]
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancerrelated death in the USA among men and women; yet it is highly preventable and detectable through healthy lifestyles and screening [1, 2]. Adapted community education programs are needed to address knowledge gaps, negative attitudes, and other barriers to screening and healthy lifestyles in the population and are an important part of a comprehensive strategy for reducing colorectal cancer incidence and increasing screening rates. Such programs exist, but require further theory-based evaluation of effectiveness and implementation within existing systems of public education, including the Cooperative Extension Service, departments of health, and corporate and healthcare wellness programs, among others [4]
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