Abstract 4890: Cancer health awareness through screening and education, CHANGE: evidence of improved screening rates at 6 months post-test
Authors: Marlo M. Vernon, Mina Tsai, Alma Carrillo, Ara Idun, Martha Tingen
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Purpose: Incidence and mortality rates for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers all exceed national rates in Georgia, and are higher among African Americans. The goal of the CHANGE initiative is to provide a sustainable model of evidence-based cancer awareness through education - with an emphasis on prevention and early detection behaviors. Thus, we examine whether participation of CHANGE initiative was related to referral follow-up rates for cancer screening and greater screening uptake for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Methos: Residents of five Augusta Housing Authority communities participated. At each site, four education sessions were provided by trained facilitators on cancer risk factors and etiology, racial disparities, eligibility for cancer screening, and participation in clinical trials. Attendance, eligibility for breast, prostate and colorectal screening were measured at baseline and 1- and 6-months post-CHANGE sessions. Results: There were 110 residents (47.5% 65 and older years old, 45% male, 62.5% High School education, 90% AA) participated in this initiative. Around 95% completed post-intervention evaluation. Participants (n=67) were eligible for a cancer screening; breast (n=21), prostate (n=14), and colorectal screening (n=30) based on American Cancer Society guidelines. CHANGE participants who have attended 75% or above sessions had significantly higher referral rates (93.6%) and subsequent follow-up (receipt of care) (90% vs. 10% those who have attended &amp;lt; 75% sessions) at 6 months post-sessions. Those with higher attendance also had higher follow up with breast cancer (84.6%), colorectal, (100%), prostate cancer (100%), screening uptake when compared those without attending 75% or above sessions, respectively. Majority of those who completed follow up screening were aged 65+ years, were female, were Black, had high school or lower education, and had an insurance (either public or private). Conclusions: Findings from our study demonstrated the participation of CHANGE initiative was related to greater referral rates and follow-up screening uptake for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. CHANGE participants demonstrated improved access and receipt of care/resources by attending CHANGE sessions. Participants reported being motivated and confident in seeking preventive care and satisfaction with community engagement efforts. Our study suggests that replication of this initiative in similar communities may improve knowledge for cancer risk and health equity simultaneously among underserved populations. Citation Format: Marlo M. Vernon, Mina Tsai, Alma Carrillo, Ara Idun, Martha Tingen. Cancer health awareness through screening and education, CHANGE: evidence of improved screening rates at 6 months post-test [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4890.