Mei-Po Yip, RN, PhD¹, S. Tu, MD, MPH², Vicky M. Taylor, MD, MPH³, Elizabeth Acorda, BA⁴, Dominica Lau⁵, and Alan Chun, MD⁵. (1) Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 Ninth, Seattle, WA 98104, 206-461-4510, x 2235, yipm@u.washington.edu, (2) Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Box 359780, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, (3) Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, PO Box 19024, MP702, 1100 Fairview Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109-1024, (4) Cancer Prevention Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, PO Box 19024, MP702, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, (5) International Community Health Services, PO Box 3007, Seattle, WA 98114

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US. Chinese Americans have low reported screening rates and little is known about the actual screening behaviors of this population. As part of a larger study in a community health clinic serving Asian Americans, we are conducting a chart audit of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in the past year, sigmoidoscopy in the previous 5 years, and colonoscopy in the past 10 years. Eligible patients are ethnic Chinese, 50-78 years of age, and speak Cantonese, Mandarin or English. To date, 297 patients’ records have been reviewed. Preliminary analysis reveals low compliance with colorectal cancer screening guidelines. Of the 104 patients (35%) who are in compliance, 45% had FOBT, 2% had FOBT plus sigmoidoscopy, 11% had colonoscopy, and 42% had FOBT and colonoscopy. Of interest, 35% of those screened required further investigation. Chi square analysis showed no significant differences between patients in compliance or out of compliance with screening for age, sex and type of insurance. Final results of 800 patients will be presented upon completion of the chart audit. Our results indicate low rates of CRC screening by Chinese American patients in a community clinic. Since the study sample has access to medical care, it is expected that CRC screening in the Chinese American population is even lower. Given the effectiveness of CRC screening, additional studies are needed to increase the utilization of these screening tools in Chinese and possibly other Asian Americans.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the low colorectal cancer screening rates in Chinese Americans

Keywords: Cancer Screening,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.