Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Research Articles

Insights into Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness: A Study in the Community of Taif City

ABSTRACT Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent among Saudi males and females. Understanding its symptoms, risk factors, and screening is vital. This study aims to gauge CRC awareness in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, based on demographics. An observational study in Taif City surveyed awareness on colorectal screening, gathering data from March-April 2023 via a questionnaire covering demographics, screening knowledge, symptoms, and risk factors. Involving 551 participants, most were 19-40 years old (59.2%), female (65.9%), and had a bachelor’s degree (71.3%). Notably, 49.2% hadn’t visited a family doctor. Awareness on CRC screening was low. 37.7% knew about fecal occult blood tests, 32.7% about sigmoidoscopy, and 34.8% about colonoscopy. Only 27.6% knew the recommended screening age, and 2.4% the frequency. Participants sought information mainly online (45.7%) or from friends (24.1%). Recognized risk factors included family history (57.0%), blood in stool (58.8%), and abdominal pain (47.9%). The study highlights inadequate awareness about CRC screening in Taif. It underscores the necessity for targeted education campaigns, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and diverse information sources to improve understanding among the population.

Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness and Compliance Rates over the Age of 40: Single Center Data in Türkiye

The frequency of colorectal cancer is increasing under the age of 50, and new sights have emerged regarding the initiation of screening in the earlier age group. This study aims to measure the consciousness of patients over the age of 40 about colorectal cancer screening and to reveal the screening rates of individuals over the age of 50. 300 consecutive patients who applied to our center and were older than 40 years of age were included. The questionnaire was created based on current guidelines and literature knowledge by the investigators and done through face-to-face interviews. Patients over 50 years of age who did not undergo screening were analyzed by dividing them into groups according to their socio-demographic characteristics and colorectal cancer risk factors. While 64.7% of the participants stated that they knew about colorectal cancer screening, only 32.4% of the participants aged 50 and over had colorectal cancer screening. The vast majority of patients stated that they did not have enough knowledge about the subject. The rate of participants who stated that they were considering entering the cancer screening program after completing this questionnaire was 73.7%. Colorectal cancer screening rates of non-smokers, women, and married participants were higher than the other group (P=0.016, P=0.017, and P=0.033, respectively). This study shows low screening compliance of individuals over the age of 50. We think that it is important to encourage and inform all adults over the age of 40 about colorectal cancer screening for public health.

Charity colonoscopy event and fund in Singapore: A Novel Method to Raise Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Charity colonoscopy event and fund in Singapore: A Novel Method to Raise Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Public Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia, 2022.

According to the WHO, cancer is ranked as the secondleading cause of death, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. This study aimed to assess public awareness about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and the barriers that prevent Saudi individuals from undergoing CRC screening. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Prince Mishari Bin Saud General Baljurashi Hospital, and a supervised self-administered questionnaire was utilized. Sociodemographic data, knowledge about colorectal cancer, and attitude toward screening were included in the survey. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 23(SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and Pearson's chi-square test. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 396 eligible participants completed the survey. About 209 (52%) were female, and 124 (31.3%) belonged to the age group of 18-29 years. Nearly (49.7%) knew that detecting colorectal cancer before symptoms appear is possible. About 64% of the participants cited colonoscopy as the screening method for CRC. More than half of the participants (58.1%) expressed their willingness to be screened for colorectal cancer, while only 2.8% reported that they had undergone screening before. Participants with higher educational status demonstrated better knowledge regarding CRC than others (p<0.05). The overall knowledge of CRC was found to be poor in Al-Baha residents, irrespective of age. Implementing new strategies to increase public awareness about colorectal cancer will aid in the early diagnosis of CRC. We recommend targeted education and screening programs to improve the level of screening awareness and aid in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Effect of a family-based multimedia intervention on the uptake of faecal immunohistochemical test among South Asian older adults: A cluster-randomised controlled trial

BackgroundColorectal cancer screening, including faecal immunohistochemical test, is an effective method for detecting colorectal cancer early. Nevertheless, faecal immunohistochemical test uptake among South Asian ethnic minorities is low because they have limited knowledge of and face barriers in accessing colorectal cancer screening. Tailored education and appropriate messaging has potential to convey to this population group the importance of colorectal cancer screening. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of a family-based multimedia intervention to raise awareness of colorectal cancer screening and increase the uptake of faecal immunochemical tests among South Asian older adults. DesignA cluster-randomised controlled trial with a wait-list control group. ParticipantsThree-hundred and twenty dyads of South Asian older adults and their younger family members were recruited at South Asian community centres and non-governmental organisations providing support services to local South Asians in six Hong Kong districts. MethodsGroup allocation of dyads during cluster randomisation was based on the group assignment of the district where they were recruited. The intervention comprised a multimedia health talk, conveying the importance of colorectal cancer screening and support from younger family members in encouraging their older relatives to undergo screening. Site coordinators assisted participants in accessing faecal immunohistochemical test. The primary outcome was increased uptake of faecal immunohistochemical test among South Asian older adults. Secondary outcomes included younger family members' encouragement of their older relatives to undergo faecal immunohistochemical test and their readiness to assist their relatives with the test. Acceptability of the intervention was measured by dyad satisfaction with the intervention. ResultsThe proportion of older adults participating in faecal immunohistochemical testing was significantly higher among intervention dyads compared with controls (71.8% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001). No significant within-group change was observed on the willingness of younger family members in the intervention group to encourage older adults to undergo faecal immunohistochemical test, nor their readiness to assist older adults in doing so, although a decrease in both outcomes was observed among the control group. Most participants (>86%) were satisfied with the intervention. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing faecal immunohistochemical test uptake among South Asian older adults, and the benefit of using a family-based approach in the implementation of cancer screening interventions for these individuals. Implementation of the intervention as a component of usual care within South Asian communities is recommended.Trial registration ISRCTN72829325, 10 July 2018.

Public awareness of colon cancer screening and barriers to help-seeking in Saudi men using cancer awareness measure questionnaire

Background: In men, colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked third globally. Screening for CRC is necessary as it has a long duration between early and advanced stages. Thus, this study aimed to explore public awareness regarding colon cancer screening and barriers to delayed help-seeking among Saudi men. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted among Saudi males aged 45-75 years, who were eligible for colonoscopy screening and were not diagnosed with CRC yet. The Cancer Awareness Measure self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. Results: A total of 449 males participated in this study; around 51% had heard about CRC and 17.4% had heard about colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) methods. Almost 4.5% reported shyness, as the barrier to doing colonoscopy. Around 33%, 30%, 15%-20%, and 18% of men obtained the maximum score of knowledge regarding risk factors, signs and symptoms, susceptibility, and awareness of CRCS, respectively. The most known risk factor was smoking, and the highest factor for immediate help-seeking was the presence of blood in feces. The most important barriers were appointment scheduling, followed by fear of diagnosis, and the lowest barrier was transportation. Conclusion: The overall awareness of CRCS was found among almost one-half of the participants. For instance, awareness should be increased, as early diagnosis is critical for reducing mortality due to CRC and for a better prognosis. Additionally, CRC has a high potential for treatment if detected early.

Barriers and facilitators of colorectal cancer screening in Asia.

PurposeOne of the most common cancers in Asia is colorectal cancer (CRC). Early diagnosis and timely treatment are necessary for preventing complications and advanced stages of the disease. It is important to evaluate barriers and facilitators of screening in different countries. This systematic review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators of CRC screening in Asia.MethodsIn this systematic review, for identifying barriers and facilitators of CRC screening, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus in 12 December 2020. Combination keywords such as colorectal cancer, screening, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, faecal occult blood test, barriers, facilitators and the names of each Asian country were used for searching. Full text original studies in English language were accepted in the review.ResultsIn total, 36 articles were included in the review. Barriers and facilitators were evaluated. The most common reported barriers were lack of knowledge, fear of result, fear of procedure, fear of pain, lack of awareness, high cost and lack of gastrointestinal symptoms. The most frequent facilitators were having knowledge and awareness of CRC screening, perceived risk and severity, family history of cancer and physician recommendation.ConclusionFor promoting success in CRC screening programmes, knowing what the barriers and facilitators are is necessary. Awareness and various personal, professional and social factors have been shown to be the major barriers toward CRC screening in most Asian countries.

Public awareness of colorectal cancer screening in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Public awareness of colorectal cancer screening in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Using a Culturally Tailored Intervention to Increase Colorectal Cancer Knowledge and Screening among Hispanics in a Rural Community.

Background: Disparities in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates exist among racial/ethnic minorities, especially those living in rural areas. There is an urgent need to implement interventions to improve colorectal cancer screening behaviors among such groups, particularly those living in rural areas in the United States.Methods: From a rural community of Hispanics, we recruited participants to attend home-based promotor(a)-led "home health parties" in which participants were taught about colorectal cancer screening; participants ages 50 and older were given a free fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit to complete on their own. A pre- and posttest design was used to assess changes in colorectal cancer awareness, knowledge, and screening at baseline and at 1-month follow-up after the intervention.Results: We observed a statistically significant increase in colorectal cancer screening awareness and knowledge among participants. Colorectal cancer screening rates with FOBT increased from 51.0% to 80%. There was also a statistically significant increase in social engagement, that is, the intent to speak to friends and relatives about colorectal cancer screening.Conclusions: Findings indicate that culturally tailored colorectal cancer education facilitated by promotores in a rural environment, coupled with free stool-based test for colorectal cancer screening, is an effective way to increase colorectal cancer screening awareness, knowledge, and screening among Hispanics living in a rural area in Washington State. Impact: Culturally tailored home health interventions have the potential to achieve Healthy People 2020 colorectal cancer screening goals in Hispanic rural communities. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1283-8. ©2018 AACR.

Abstract B17: Effects of promotores-led small-group education on colorectal cancer knowledge among underserved Hispanics

Abstract Background: Great strides in cancer prevention and early detection have led to a decrease in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality (Zauber, 2015). Nevertheless, CRC continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women aged 50 and older in the US and Washington State (WA) (ACS, 2013; WA DOH, 2013). CRC disparities also continue to persist with regard to access to timely and effective cancer education and screening among minority and underserved populations (CDC, 2013; Tammana, 2014). The lower Yakima Valley of WA is a very rural, poor, and medically underserved area where a high proportion of Hispanics reside. Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System demonstrate that CRC screening rates in Yakima (79.87%), Franklin (75.03%), and Benton counties (79.46%) are lower than the WA screening rate (81.25%) (WA DOH, 2014). Thus, CRC screening promotion efforts in the lower Yakima Valley are of high importance. In this study, we used promotores to deliver the Colorectal Cancer 101 curriculum at “home health parties.” The aim of this study was to assess changes in CRC knowledge and intent to screen for CRC among Hispanics in the Yakima Valley. Methods: A pre- and post-test study design was used to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs around CRC and screening at baseline and at 3-month follow-up after receipt of a promotores-led home-based educational intervention. We recruited participants at local community events, through flyers, and snowball sampling. CRC home health parties were conducted in English and Spanish by bilingual-trained promotores between March and September 2012. Results: A total of 129 participants completed a pre/post assessment. Majority of participants were Hispanic (98.4%), female (73.4%), and had less than a high school education (86.0%). Although 72.1% had a regular doctor and 95.3% had a regular health clinic, only 50% reported having health insurance. Preliminary results show that at baseline, less than 40% of the participants reported having a physician recommend and discuss CRC screening, while 54.4% indicated thinking about going to a physician or clinic to receive CRC screening. Overall, 62% of the respondents stated having heard of the stool test, 55% had received a stool test in the past, and 63% reported considering obtaining a stool test within the next three months. Approximately 62% had heard of a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy; 37.4% had received such a test in the past and 36% were considering obtaining a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy within the next three months. At baseline, participants reported intent to discuss CRC screening with others (family members = 34.4%; friends = 40.3%). Conclusion: We hypothesize that using promotores to deliver CRC information: 1) is a culturally relevant way to increase knowledge about CRC and awareness of CRC screening, and 2) will result in increased intention to talk to others about CRC. Pre/post-test comparisons regarding CRC knowledge, intention to screen, and intention to talk to others about CRC will be presented. Citation Format: Katherine J. Briant, Janet Sanchez, Monica Escareno, Virginia Gonzalez, Beti Thompson. Effects of promotores-led small-group education on colorectal cancer knowledge among underserved Hispanics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B17.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness for Women via Facebook: A Pilot Study.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. Women report being screened for colorectal cancer less often than men, and if colorectal cancer screening guidelines were routinely followed, approximately 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented. Many colorectal cancer screening interventions have not used Facebook, which is the most popular social media site among women. Little is known about engaging women in colorectal cancer screening and risk reduction information using Facebook. The "Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness for Women" Facebook page was created to promote colorectal cancer screening and risk reduction awareness among women. Facebook posts targeted women aged 45-64 years and highlighted colorectal cancer screening methods, guidelines, and colorectal cancer risk reduction strategies. Demographics and data about the women's interactions with the page were collected using Facebook analytics and analyzed. The majority of the 391 users of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness for Women Facebook page were women aged 45-54 years (56.5%). The most "liked" posts were related to colorectal cancer risk reduction behaviors. In an effort to increase routine colorectal cancer screening and colorectal cancer risk reduction behaviors, gastroenterology nurses and practices should consider Facebook as a good method to regularly engage women in colorectal cancer screening and colorectal cancer risk reduction information.

Examining the Durability of Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness and Health Beliefs Among Medically Underserved Patients: Baseline to 12months Post-Intervention.

The current study examines changes in awareness and health beliefs from baseline to 12months post-intervention following receipt of one of two colorectal cancer (CRC) educational interventions that aimed to promote CRC screening among a racially and ethnically diverse and medically underserved population. Participants (N = 270) were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to increase CRC screening and completed both baseline and 12-month follow-up assessments. Participants were aged 50-75, at average CRC risk, not up-to-date with CRC screening guidelines, and receiving care at one of three community-based clinics. Participants were randomized to receive either a targeted, low-literacy intervention informed by the Preventive Health Model [PHM] (photonovella and DVD plus fecal immunochemical test [FIT]) or a non-targeted intervention (standard educational brochure plus FIT). Changes in CRC awareness and health beliefs from baseline to 12months were examined both within and between intervention groups using Student's t tests. Participants in both intervention conditions demonstrated an increase in CRC awareness, PHM social influence, and trust in the healthcare system (all p's < .0001), with no significant between-group differences. Among those receiving the targeted intervention, there also was an increase in PHM salience (p < .05). Among individuals receiving the non-targeted intervention, there was an increase in PHM response efficacy (p < .01) and PHM self-efficacy (p < .0001). Both CRC screening interventions promoted positive changes in awareness and several health beliefs from baseline to 12months, suggesting important benefits of CRC education. Regardless of whether education was targeted or non-targeted, providing CRC screening education successfully promoted durable changes in awareness and health beliefs.

Predictors of colorectal cancer screening awareness among people working in a hospital environment

BackgroundCompliance rates for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening are much lower than those desired. Appropriate information on CRC risks and screening methods is supposed to stimulate motivation for screening. We aimed to identify parameters associated with the decision for CRC screening and colonoscopy in a population expected to have high awareness of disease prevention.MethodsIn a single-center, cross-sectional study, we used an anonymous questionnaire (AQ) to record the demographics, habits and screening behavior for cancers and other common diseases of all employees older than 50 years in our hospital.ResultsAmong 287 active employees, 83% (n=237) answered the AQ (age 55±4 years). Thirty percent (n=70) underwent colonoscopy while 17% (n=40) underwent CRC screening (39/40) colonoscopy). Comparatively, among women 97% had a Pap-smear, 92% a mammography, while among men 83% had been tested for serum prostate-specific antigen. Age, male sex, alcohol consumption and university education correlated positively with CRC screening (P<0.05 for all). After multivariate analysis, university education remained an independent determinant of CRC screening (OR 2.488, 95%CI 1.096-5.648; P=0.029). Among subjects who had not undergone colonoscopy in the past, ignorance of the need for CRC screening (OR 0.360, 95%CI 0.150-0.867; P=0.023) and indifference to undergo such a procedure (OR 0.188, 95%CI 0.066-0.537; P=0.002) were independent determinants for not planning a future screening colonoscopy.ConclusionsEducation was the most important factor in the decision to undergo CRC screening. Colonoscopy was the preferred screening method. Ignorance of and indifference to CRC risks were the major obstacles for a future screening colonoscopy.

A Poster of Disparity: A Visual Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign Did Not Increase Screening Colonoscopy in African Americans

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. African Americans have an increased incidence and mortality from CRC compared to other ethnicities. Despite this, African Americans continue to have lower screening rates than Caucasians. Special efforts are needed to increase CRC screening participation among African Americans. This study evaluated the effect of a simple, picture-predominant campaign promoting awareness of CRC and screening. Methods: A visual CRC awareness campaign was conducted at an urban academic medical center. Posters promoting CRC screening, comprised mainly of pictures and few words, were placed at the registration desks and waiting and examination rooms in the internal medicine department and gastroenterology division for one month. Using electronic health records, we performed a retrospective review of colonoscopies performed in the month of and one month after the campaign and in the same two months of the prior year. Patient demographics and procedure indication were obtained. Statistical analysis was conducted using Fisher's Exact Test with significance set at p< 0.05. Results: Our CRC awareness campaign of simple placards and signs increased the overall number of screening colonoscopies, but the increase among African Americans was not as significant as others. African American patients may have been less receptive to the campaign, or more reluctant to undergo the procedure or were unable to arrange a colonoscopy immediately following the campaign and within our study period. Additional efforts are needed in order to identify effective patient education techniques to increase screening rates in all patients and especially in African-Americans. Conclusion: Our CRC awareness campaign of simple placards and signs increased the overall number of screening colonoscopies, but the increase among African Americans was meager. African American patients may have been less receptive to the campaign or more reluctant to undergo the procedure. Alternatively, they may have been less able or motivated to arrange a colonoscopy immediately following the campaign and within our study period. African Americans are at increased risk for CRC morbidity and mortality and have a low rate of screening compared to Caucasians. Additional efforts are needed in order to identify effective patient education techniques to increase screening rates in this population.

Colon Cancer Awareness Posters - Theyʼre Not Just for Screening Anymore

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important cause of preventable mortality in the United States but screening can mitigate these risks. Efforts have been made to increase screening individuals in eligible adults. However, those who have had adenomatous polyps recommended to have colonoscopies at shorter intervals compared to the general population. This study evaluated the effect of a visual colorectal cancer screening awareness campaign on the rate of surveillance colonoscopy at an urban university gastroenterology practice. Methods: A colon cancer awareness campaign was conducted for one month at a university medical center. Signs addressing the importance of CRC screening and colonoscopy were placed at the internal medicine and gastroenterology registration desks, waiting rooms, and examination rooms. Using an electronic health record, a retrospective review of colonoscopies performed at an academic medical center for a two month period beginning with the campaign and for the same two months in the prior year. Patient demographics, procedure indication and colonoscopy findings were obtained. Statistical analysis was conducted, with significance set at p< 0.05. Results: In the two months after starting the campaign, there were 838 colonoscopies; 242 (25.6%) were for surveillance of polyps, 392 (46.8%) for screening, and 204 (24.3% for diagnostic indications. During the same two month period in 2015 (before the intervention), the same physicians performed 677 colonoscopies; 160 (23.6%) surveillance, 286 (42.2%) screening, and 231 (34.1%) diagnostic procedures. There was a significant increase in the rate of surveillance colonoscopies relative to screening procedures (p=0.0003) and diagnostic procedures (p=0.0001). Conclusion: This study revealed that a campaign to promote undergoing an initial colorectal cancer screening may also remind individuals to undergo their surveillance procedures. While this is a limited study based upon single institution design and sample size, it revealed that the conduction of a colon cancer awareness campaigns can optimize adherence to surveillance recommendations. Simple, office-based strategies can be effective in encouraging procedures for early colon cancer detection.

Systematic Review and Meta-study Synthesis of Qualitative Studies Evaluating Facilitators and Barriers to Participation in Colorectal Cancer Screening.

Screening reduces the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of colorectal cancer, yet participation tends to be low. We undertook a systematic review and meta-study synthesis of qualitative studies to identify facilitators and barriers to colorectal cancer screening participation. We searched major bibliographic databases for records published in all languages from inception to February 2015. Included primary studies that elicited views and perceptions towards colorectal cancer screening were appraised for relevance and quality. We used a two-stage synthesis to create an interpretation of colorectal cancer screening decisions grounded in primary studies; a thematic analysis to group themes and systematically compare studies and a meta-synthesis to generate an expanded theory of colorectal cancer screening participation. Ninety-four studies were included. The decision to participate in colorectal cancer screening depended on an individual's awareness of colorectal cancer screening. Awareness affected views of cancer, attitudes towards colorectal cancer screening modalities, and motivation for screening. Factors mediating awareness included public education to address misconceptions, primary care physician efforts to recommend screening, and the influence of friends and family. Specific barriers to participation in populations with lower participation rates included language barriers, logistical challenges to attending screening tests, and cultural beliefs. This study identifies key barriers, facilitators, and mediators to colorectal cancer screening participation. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(6); 907-17. ©2016 AACR.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Foreign-born South Asians in the Metropolitan New York/New Jersey Region.

The goal of this study was to examine colorectal cancer (CRC) screening practices and factors associated with CRC screening among foreign-born South Asians living in the metropolitan New York-New Jersey area. Two hundred and eight men and women recruited from community settings in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area completed a questionnaire that included demographics, CRC screening practices, health care access and practices, attitudes about the health care system, primary care physician support for CRC screening, cultural factors, and attitudes about CRC screening and CRC worry. Almost a third of the sample had not heard of any of CRC screening tests. Approximately 62% of the sample had never had a CRC screening test and approximately 69% of the sample was not currently on schedule with regard to CRC screening. When the relative contribution of significant correlates were evaluated, participants who had lived in the US for a longer time, who endorsed more CRC screening benefits, and who endorsed fewer CRC screening barriers were significantly more likely to have had CRC screening in the past. Participants who were more likely to use English in their daily life, who endorsed more CRC screening benefits, and endorsed fewer CRC screening barriers were more likely to be on schedule with regard to CRC screening. In conclusion, awareness of CRC screening and uptake of screening was low in this population of foreign-born South Asians. Interventions to promote CRC screening may benefit from targeting this subgroup of Asian Americans.

Sa1657 Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness in Asian-Indian Population in US: an Ethnicity-Based Intervention

As the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is low in India, Indian health care focuses on increasing awareness of early symptoms for CRC as more cost-effective than an organized screening program. However, the data show the high incidence of CRC in Indian immigrants to USA due to life style changes. The aim of this study was to assess and increase the awareness of CRC while overcoming the barriers to its screening, with an intervention in a fraction of Asian-Indian population of Duval County, Florida.

Public awareness of colorectal cancer screening: knowledge, attitudes, and interventions for increasing screening uptake.

Colorectal cancer ranks as one of the most incidental and death malignancies worldwide. Colorectal cancer screening has proven its benefit in terms of incidence and mortality reduction in randomized controlled trials. In fact, it has been recommended by medical organizations either in average-risk or family-risk populations. Success of a screening campaign highly depends on how compliant the target population is. Several factors influence colorectal cancer screening uptake including sociodemographics, provider and healthcare system factors, and psychosocial factors. Awareness of the target population of colorectal cancer and screening is crucial in order to increase screening participation rates. Knowledge about this disease and its prevention has been used across studies as a measurement of public awareness. Some studies found a positive relationship between knowledge about colorectal cancer, risk perception, and attitudes (perceived benefits and barriers against screening) and willingness to participate in a colorectal cancer screening campaign. The mentioned factors are modifiable and therefore susceptible of intervention. In fact, interventional studies focused on average-risk population have tried to increase colorectal cancer screening uptake by improving public knowledge and modifying attitudes. In the present paper, we reviewed the factors impacting adherence to colorectal cancer screening and interventions targeting participants for increasing screening uptake.

Adherence to colorectal cancer and polyps screening recommendations among filipino-americans.

This cross-sectional study explored the perceptions and behaviors toward colorectal cancer screening and the predictors of adherence to colorectal cancer and polyps screening recommendations among Filipino-Americans. A total of 188 participants were recruited from community churches in southern California from September to November 2011. About half of the participants were found to be adherent to the screening recommendations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the following significant predictors of adherence: having a relative with colon or rectal cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 6.17), having heard of fecal occult blood test (OR = 4.58), strong agreement with benefit of screening in reducing worry about cancer (OR = 2.81), age ≥ 65 years (OR = 2.64) and very easy communication with providers (OR = 2.43). Patient awareness of colorectal cancer screening and its benefits through effective patient-provider communication were significant modifiable predictors of adherence to colorectal cancer and polyps screening recommendations. Nurses could have a major impact in improving screening behaviors through patient education in increasing patient awareness and benefits of cancer screening.