Abstract
Among American men and women, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer as well as the third leading cause of cancer death. The importance of CRC screening is supported by improved survival rates associated with early diagnosis. Despite these well known facts, half of eligible adults in the United States have not been tested. This paper reports on a novel intervention utilizing a uniquely designed community-based CRC education program to promote CRC awareness and increase participant’s intention to participate in CRC screening. Trained teams of oncology nurses worked with senior level nursing students who provided a two-tier intervention that engaged both children and adults. Surprisingly, a survey of participants indicated that within this sample, screen rates were 84.1%. This is higher than the Healthy People 2020 screening target of 70.5%. Participants in the educational intervention program still reported the program increased their awareness of CRC and the need for screening. Results also show that a doctor’s recommendation influences a person’s decision to participation in CRC screening.
Recommended Citation
Raymond, Delbert M.; Wu, Tsu-Yin; Richard, Mary J.; and McDonagh, Mary J.
(2012)
"Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness: An Innovative Participatory Intervention,"
Michigan Journal of Public Health: Vol. 6:
Iss.
1, Article 8.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mjph/vol6/iss1/8