Abstract A050: Faith-based messaging and materials for colorectal cancer screening in the African Methodist Episcopal church
Authors: Thompson Jamie , Rivelli Jennifer , Gautom Priyanka , Johnson Cheryl , Burns Megan , Schenk Dani , Levell Caleb , Hayes Nikki , Coronado Gloria 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Religion plays a significant role in Black and African American communities, yet little is known about ways to incorporate faith into colorectal cancer (CRC) screening messages and how to distribute such messages to the congregation and community.   Brief description of pertinent experimental procedures: We collaborated with members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Atlanta, Georgia to create culturally appropriate and locally relevant faith-based CRC screening messages and materials. We used a modified boot camp translation (BCT) approach to obtain 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. Messages were developed using market-tested CRC screening messaging from the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) as a starting point.   Eligible participants were members from six churches within the AME Atlanta East District, 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 consisted of expert presentations by a national leader on CRC and screening, a local leader well-versed in barriers to screening and community resources, and a prominent figure within the church clergy. Interactive small group sessions were also part of the in-person meeting and focused on developing CRC screening messages and identifying dissemination channels. Follow-up virtual sessions (one-hour each) were conducted to solicit feedback from participants on the materials created (e.g., fact sheets, pamphlets, message cards).   Summary of new, unpublished data: A total of twenty-seven adults participated in the in-person session (17 women and 10 men) and 12-13 of these individuals attended the virtual follow-up sessions. Based on input obtained, the research team developed CRC screening messages that 1) incorporated faith-based concepts into health messaging, 2) sought to raise CRC awareness and knowledge through personal connections, or 3) empowered individuals to take control of their colorectal health through the strength of their community. Messages included: “Faith over fear! Get screened for colorectal cancer today;” “Honor God by taking care of your body.” “Share your cancer story. It can save lives.” “You are not alone. We are in this together.” Participants identified the following preferred dissemination methods/channels: print materials (e.g., flyers, pamphlets, message cards) and digital materials (e.g., videos) shown during Sunday service. Additional channels included cancer awareness events and social media platforms.   Conclusion: 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 incorporated participant feedback to create faith-based CRC screening messages and identified channels for sharing information within the AME church community.

Citation Format: Jamie Thompson, Jennifer Rivelli, Priyanka Gautom, Cheryl Johnson, Megan Burns, Dani Schenk, Caleb Levell, Nikki Hayes, Gloria Coronado. Faith-based messaging and materials for colorectal cancer screening in the African Methodist Episcopal church [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A050.