Abstract 770: Colorectal cancer screening in rural community health clinics using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
Authors: Arnold Connie L. , Davis Terry C. , Rademaker Alfred W. , Morris James , Mills Glenn 
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, can be significantly reduced if it is detected early. Although overall CRC screening rates have increased significantly, disparities persist among low income individuals, adults with low literacy and those living in rural areas. These groups all have screening completion rates below 50%.

Objectives: To assess patient knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy about CRC screening and compare the effectiveness of two health literacy informed telephone follow-up strategies to improve initial and annual repeat screening with Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) in rural community clinics.

Methods: A two-arm, randomized controlled trial is being implemented in four community clinics. Clinics reported CRC baseline screening rates of 1% to 3%. Eligible patients, age 50-75, are recruited at the clinic prior to a scheduled appointment. A research assistant (RA) conducts a baseline structured interview measuring CRC screening knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy. The RA then recommends screening and gives brief literacy and culturally appropriate education using a pamphlet (4th grade level), the FIT kit with pre-addressed envelope, simplified instructions (3rd grade level) and a demonstration of how to use it, At four weeks patients who have not returned their kit receive either 1) a personal follow-up call (PC) from a central prevention coordinator using motivational interviewing skills and reminding them to complete and mail FIT kits; or 2) an automated follow-up call (AC) using plain language and motivational messages encourages patients to complete and mail the FIT. Outcomes include FIT completion after intervention, and again at 12 and 24 months. 650 patients will be enrolled.

Results: To date 599 patients not up-to-date with screening have been enrolled; 64% African American, 56% women; 40% inadequate literacy. Although 90% reported having heard of CRC, only 64% knew a test to check for CRC. 70% reported a provider had recommended CRC screening in the past and 91% reported they would want to know if they have CRC. Self-efficacy was high with over 90% indicating they would return the kit to the lab. Screening results: 599 patients enrolled to date (AC: n=300 / PC: n=299); 412 (69%) completed tests (AC: n=210 (70%) / PC: n=202 (68%)). Follow-up calls for Unreturned Kits - AC: 113 people called - 26 returned FIT (23% of people called completed FIT). PC: 115 people called - 22 returned FIT - (19% of people called completed FIT). 2nd Year Screening: 129 Second kits mailed out to-date. AC (n=61): n=29 (48%) completed kits. PC (n=68): 28 (41%) completed kits.

Discussion: Implementing literacy and culturally appropriate CRC education and screening strategies using the FIT and phone reminders has the potential to increase CRC screening rural community clinics and address public health disparities.

Citation Format: Connie L. Arnold, Terry C. Davis, Alfred W. Rademaker, James Morris, Glenn Mills. Colorectal cancer screening in rural community health clinics using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 770. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-770