Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from malignancy in both genders in the United States. Screening the target population with fecal occult blood test followed by a screening sigmoidoscopy has been shown to improve curative outcomes and diminish devastating disease. Albert Einstein Cancer Center provided colon cancer screenings, done at no cost to the patient, for several years. A pattern of patients coming to the initial screening but not following through with returning home fecal occult blood tests or making and/or keeping appointments for sigmoidoscopy had been noted. The North Philadelphia Cancer Awareness Program with a grant from the Office of Minority Health provides cancer screenings, including colorectal screenings, in urban neighborhoods to minority, vulnerable populations. The screenings followed the American Cancer Society guidelines and included clinical nursing case management. Participants did not routinely return home fecal occult blood tests or make or keep appointments for sigmoidoscopy. Community providers evaluated the motivating factors that brought clients to the screening and the reasons clients gave for following or not following recommendations for completing screening. This paper intends to review colon cancer screening parameters, analyze client compliance along the screening continuum, and identify reasons for appropriate compliance or non-compliance with colon cancer screening. Results serve as a process evaluation of the screening program and provide implications for nursing interventions in future screenings. Supported by the Office of Minority Health, OPHS, DHHS
Learning Objectives: The learner/participant will be able to: 1. recognize the importance of colorectal screening for targeted populations 2. describe reasons screening participants fully or partially participated in colorectal screening
Keywords: Cancer Screening, Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.