Physician-driven education to improve disparity in colorectal cancer

B29 The purpose of this project was to educate African Americans in Jacksonville, Florida regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) and the importance of screening, with subsequent assessment of efficacy following teaching sessions. We propose that physicians, integral to community health education programs, working in conjunction with African American churches, can contribute towards the reduction of African American CRC incidence and death rate disparity. In March 2007, minority physicians from both academic (Mayo Clinic, Shands Jacksonville), and a private, single-specialty group (Borland-Groover), spoke at African-American churches in Jacksonville. Presentators educated attendees regarding the clinical aspects of CRC, discussed the importance of lifestyle modification and screening colonoscopy, and proposed potential treatments for those with the disease. Approximately 200 people completed pre/post surveys. Pre-surveys assessed participants’ prior knowledge and post-surveys assessed participants’ willingness to undergo colorectal cancer screening, post-seminar. Pre-surveys tested prior knowledge of CRC. Of 195 responses, 58% were age 50 and over. 24% were 40-49. Of this group, 55% knew about CRC, 42% did not. 48% knew of CRC risk factors. 52% either did not know risk factors or did not respond. 49.2% had never undergone screening. 55% of respondents age 50 knew of risk factors for CRC. 45% did not know, were undecided, or did not answer. 29% never received a screening exam, 18% received a screening within 1 year, and 53% received a screening within 1-5 or more years. Post-surveys assessed knowledge post-session. 97% agreed the presentation increased colorectal cancer knowledge. 3% did not gain more knowledge or were undecided. 83% were encouraged to schedule a colorectal screening and 17% were not encouraged or undecided. 65% planned to schedule a screening and 34% did not plan to schedule one or were undecided. Of 133 respondents planning to schedule a screening, 30% planned to schedule it in 3 months. The majority planned to schedule theirs in 3-9 or more months. 28% did not answer. 96% agreed to share seminar information with others. Of 112 respondents age 50 and over, 93% gained colorectal cancer knowledge. 7% did not gain knowledge, were undecided, or did not answer. 85% were encouraged to schedule a colorectal screening and 15% were not encouraged, undecided, or did not answer. 70% planned to schedule a screening and 30% did not plan to schedule one, were undecided, or did not answer. Of 79 respondents planning to schedule a screening, 42% planned to schedule theirs in 3 months. 48% planned to schedule theirs in 3-9 or more months. 10% did not answer the question. 95% agreed to share seminar information with others. An increase of at least 15% in the number of colonoscopies for African Americans is expected in this community. We will continue presenting colorectal cancer information at African American churches this year because we wish to increase the rate at which African Americans receive colonoscopies, awareness of risk factors, and prevention measures for colorectal cancer. The American Cancer society provided project funding.