Abstract B109: Results from colorectal cancer and clinical trials health education in racially/ethnically diverse populations
Authors: Moseley Michelle , Pardo Eva , Rhoads Kim , Andemeskel Ghila , Bocanegra Nanci , Rodriguez Tontantzin , Zhang Yushan 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center implemented NCI’s Colorectal cancer (CRC) and Clinical Trials (CT) Education Initiative to foster awareness, knowledge and intent to uptake CRC screening or participate in CT. Racial/ethnic groups have higher death rates and shorter survival rates for most cancers and face additional disparities and inequities. CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. CRC screening reduces incidence and mortality, however, it is underutilized. CT are studies that evaluate methods to understand prevent, find and treat cancer plus assess safety & effectiveness. Racial/ethnic populations CT participation is low. More diverse enrollment is needed to guide future cancer prevention, control, care and improve health equity. Methods: UCSF Community Health Educators engaged with community partners and the public to conduct CRC & CT education. The education topics included understanding the colon and rectum, colorectal health promotion, risk factors, what is CRC and screening, access to screening, what are clinical trials, how they advance medical progress, diversity & inclusion, types and phases of CT, informed consent, myths and facts, mistrust/other concerns, barriers, and how to find and enroll in CT. Education sessions included administering pre/post surveys- 19-item for CRC and 17-item for CT to measure knowledge and intention to get screened for CRC or participate in CT. Results: There were 772 total surveys (N=411 CRC completed pre/post, 361 completed CT pre/post). CRC respondents: 70% female, 30% male; 54 average age; 53% African American, 0.3% American Indian, 23% Asian, 13% Latino, 4% Pacific Islander, 3% White & 3% Multiracial. Overall (from pre to post education) CRC knowledge significantly increased, as well as intent to get screened, and to ask healthcare provider about CRC. Knowledge improved pre to post by 14% (76% vs 91%). Post-education intent, respondents strongly agreed or agreed: 91% talk to healthcare provider, 92% get screened for CRC, 89% talk about CRC with family/friends, 95% eat healthier, 95% increase physical activity. CT respondents: 77% female, 23% male; 51 average age; 64% African American, 1.2% American Indian, 10% Asian, 17% Latino, 2% Pacific Islander, 4% White & 2% Multiracial. Post CT education knowledge, intent to seek out CT information and intent to join significantly increased. CT knowledge improved pre to post by 7% (83% vs 90%). Post-education intent respondents strongly agreed or agreed: 69% seek out CT information, 59% search for CT, 75% talk to a healthcare provider about CT; 78% importance of people of color CT participation; 48% intent to join a CT and 70% talk to family/friends about joining a CT. Conclusion: CRC and CT education demonstrated efficacy in increasing awareness and knowledge and advanced intent to get colorectal cancer screening and enroll in clinical trials.

Citation Format: Michelle Moseley, Eva Pardo, Kim Rhoads, Ghila Andemeskel, Nanci Bocanegra, Tontantzin Rodriguez, Yushan Zhang. Results from colorectal cancer and clinical trials health education in racially/ethnically diverse populations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B109.