Developing Faith-Based Messaging and Materials for Colorectal Cancer Screening: Application of Boot Camp Translation Within the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death in Black and African American people in the United States. We created culturally appropriate and locally relevant faith-based CRC screening messages and materials for African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church communities in Atlanta, Georgia. Methods: We used boot camp translation (BCT), a validated community based participatory strategy, to elicit input from AME congregants to 1) develop faith-based CRC screening messages that resonate with the AME community and 2) identify the role of the church in bringing CRC information to the AME community. Eligible participants were members of the AME Atlanta East District churches, ages 45 to 75 years, and willing to participate in one 5-hour in-person meeting and two follow-up video-conferencing calls. The in-person session, conducted in the church sanctuary and fellowship hall, consisted of expert presentations by a national leader on colorectal cancer and screening, a local leader well-versed in barriers to screening and community resources, and a prominent figure within the church clergy. Additionally, we held interactive small group sessions to create messages and identify dissemination methods. Results: A total of 27 adults participated in the in-person session (17 women and 10 men). Participants preferred CRC screening messages that incorporated faith-based concepts including “honoring God by taking care of one's body”_ and “choosing faith over fear of screening.”_ Other key themes focused on increasing awareness and knowledge of CRC screening, taking control of one's own health, and sharing personal stories with one's community to reduce stigma and inspire action. Favored dissemination channels within the church were Sunday service, print (e.g., flyers, pamphlets, message cards) distributed at church, and digital materials (e.g., videos) shown during service. Desired community channels included cancer awareness events and social media platforms. Conclusions: Churches serve as key partners in delivering health information as they are among the most trusted institutions within the Black and African American community. Using BCT, we successfully incorporated participant feedback to create faith-based CRC screening messages and identified appropriate channels for sharing information within the AME community.