Abstract B054: FIT distribution in underserved communities in Arkansas
Authors: Baker Sydney T. 
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer attributed deaths in the U.S. Among the states, Arkansas has one of the highest colorectal cancer mortality rates at 15.5 deaths per 100,000 compared to the national average of 13.4 deaths per 100,000 (American Cancer Society, n.d.). In addition to all Arkansans facing higher incidence and mortality from the disease, more disparities are highlighted when these statistics are examined along racial lines. African Americans face higher incidence and mortality from the disease with African American men facing the highest burden of disease (Arkansas Cancer Facts and Figures 2017, n.d.). The most effective method of colorectal cancer prevention is screening, though many may not have access in many areas in Arkansas. To remedy this issue, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences created the Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention Program (CCSPP) to increase preventive colorectal cancer care accessibility in underserved communities. This program partners with community services such as food drives to distribute Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits to community members that can be mailed back to UAMS free of charge. To ensure effective distribution, a script was prepared for community health workers (CHWs) attending these events. CHWs follow the script to determine community member eligibility in the CCSPP followed by FIT kit distribution. Eligible participants have fourteen days to return their completed FIT before they begin receiving weekly reminders via mail or mobile phone. The involvement of CHWs in this program is vital, highlighting the need for effective training. To assure that CHWs have the knowledge necessary for community FIT distribution, a presentation was prepared to provide colorectal cancer screening education and detail the script and consent forms. The objective of the training presentation is to ensure the preparedness of CHWs for community events. The presentation has shown positive results with a two-point increase in the average posttest score of 7.88 after the presentation when compared to the average pretest score of 5.88 before the presentation. This program and methodology allow the most vulnerable Arkansans to receive previously inaccessible preventive care. Though data analysis is still needed to determine the efficacy of this method, this program may serve as an adaptable model for other colorectal cancer prevention initiatives that seek to reach underserved communities. References American Cancer Society. (n.d.). American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts & Statistics. American Cancer Society | Cancer Facts & Statistics. Retrieved from https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/?_ga=2.234590110.106142599.1654007572-1141503805.1630428031#!/cancer-site/Colorectum Arkansas Cancer Facts and Figures 2017 (Arkansas Cancer Facts and Figures, p. 170). (n.d.-c). Arkansas Department of Health. Retrieved from https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/publications/ARCancerFacts2017.pdf

Citation Format: Sydney T. Baker. FIT distribution in underserved communities in Arkansas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B054.