CDC-funded intervention research aimed at promoting colorectal cancer screening in communities

Steven S. Coughlin
Mary E. Costanza, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Maria E. Fernandez
Karen Glanz
Judith W. Lee
Selina A. Smith
Leonardo Stroud
Irene Tessaro
John M. Westfall
Joel L. Weissfeld
Daniel S. Blumenthal

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although strong scientific evidence has shown that screening for colorectal cancer saves lives, most U.S. adults who are at the recommended age are not being screened. Prior studies suggest that barriers to routine screening vary by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, urban/rural residence, health insurance status, and factors related to health care providers and the health care environment. Relatively few studies, however, have identified and tested intervention approaches to promote routine colorectal cancer screening among diverse populations.

METHODS: The Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at CDC has funded ongoing projects to develop and test interventions to promote routine colorectal cancer screening among medically underserved populations in Appalachia, the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, the High Plains region of Colorado, and other U.S. communities.

RESULTS: This article provides an overview of colorectal cancer screening intervention studies currently funded by CDC that focus on a wide range of populations, including medically underserved persons who live in predominately rural areas, Hispanic and non-Hispanic persons, urban African Americans, persons with low health literacy, and persons enrolled in managed care organizations.

CONCLUSIONS: These CDC-funded intervention research projects are likely to contribute importantly to evidence about what works to promote colorectal cancer screening in diverse U.S. communities. .