1097-0142/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=a7299bc18f075294c232ade468773cd0672bd470 "Cancer")
Fax: (614) 293-5611
1097-0142/asset/olbannerleft.gif?v=1&s=ca681f5719430b26e1bc15e9ea4c9fc0a7110104)
1097-0142/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=8142566facf7e76aef9be6c51162a2e920b3b9f9)
Original Site
You have full text access to this OnlineOpen article
Improving colorectal cancer screening by using community volunteers†
Results of the Carolinas cancer education and screening (CARES) project
Article first published online: 30 JUL 2007
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.22930
Copyright © 2007 American Cancer Society
Additional Information
How to Cite
Katz, M. L., Tatum, C., Dickinson, S. L., Murray, D. M., Long-Foley, K., Cooper, M. R., Daven, M. and Paskett, E. D. (2007), Improving colorectal cancer screening by using community volunteers. Cancer, 110: 1602–1610. doi: 10.1002/cncr.22930
- †
All women provided written informed consent, and the study was approved by the institutional review boards at Wake Forest University Medical Center and Ohio State University.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 14 SEP 2007
- Article first published online: 30 JUL 2007
- Manuscript Accepted: 22 MAY 2007
- Manuscript Revised: 21 MAY 2007
- Manuscript Received: 24 JAN 2007
Funded by
- American Cancer Society. Grant Numbers: #TIOG-99-361-02, NCI 1 K07 CA107079
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- colorectal cancer;
- cancer screening;
- vulnerable populations;
- disparities
Within a low-income population of medically underserved women a community-based intervention did not significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates. There was a positive change in beliefs about screening and intention to be screened in the future, suggesting that the dissemination of an evidence-based behavioral intervention may require a longer duration to engage hard-to-reach populations and change behaviors.
Abstract
BACKGROUND.
The goal of the Carolinas Cancer Education and Screening (CARES) Project was to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among low-income women in subsidized housing communities in 11 cities in North and South Carolina who were traditionally underserved by cancer control efforts.
METHODS.
Cross-sectional samples were randomly selected from housing authority lists at 5 timepoints in this nonrandomized community-based intervention study. Face-to-face interviews focused on CRC knowledge, beliefs, barriers to screening, and screening behaviors. The intervention components were based on a previous evidence-based program.
RESULTS.
A total of 2098 surveys were completed. Seventy-eight percent of the respondents were African American, 62% were 65+ years, and 4% were married. At baseline, the rate of CRC screening within guidelines was 49.3% and physician recommendation was the strongest predictor (odds ratio [OR] = 21.9) of being within guidelines. There was an increase in positive beliefs about CRC screening (P = .010) and in the intention to complete CRC screening in the next 12 months (P = .053) after the intervention. The odds of being within CRC screening guidelines for women living in a city that had received the intervention were not significantly different from women living in a city that had not received the intervention (P = .496).
CONCLUSIONS.
Although CRC screening rates were not significantly better after the intervention, there was a positive change in beliefs about screening and intention to be screened. The results suggest that the dissemination of an evidence-based behavioral intervention may require a longer duration to engage hard-to-reach populations and change behaviors. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.