Background: Survival for colorectal cancer (CRC)has been greater for whites than for African-Americans (AA),partly because AA receive sub-optimal screening,resulting in delayed diagnosis.Objectives: To evaluate patient factors related to urban AA CRC screening compliance Methods: The study population comprised 100 consecutive AA primary care clinic patients,aged 50 or older. A 49-question survey (validated) was administered. Results: General screening rates within 5 years: breast (90%), cervix (85%), prostate (89%). CRC screening: digital rectal exam (DRE) within 1 year: 72%, flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) within 5 years: 49%. CRC knowledge: 54% did not know that a benign lesion usually precedes CRC, 70% did not know any of the symptoms of CRC, 61% felt there was no chance that they might develop CRC. CRC screening knowledge: Only 39% knew that screening for CRC is recommended. However, most believed that it is important to be checked even if you are asymptomatic (73%) and that early stage CRC is curable (77%).Attitude to CRC screening methods:Of those who had undergone FS in the past, 56% reported negative experiences,including pain and embarrassment. Of those who had never undergone FS,49% expressed fears of FS, including pain , discovery of cancer and embarrassment. Conclusions: This urban AA community demonstrated better compliance with screening guidelines for breast, cervix and prostate cancer than CRC. They showed limited understanding of CRC but good understanding of general cancer screening principles.These AA individuals should benefit from targeted educational programs regarding the value of and specific methods used for CRC screening. Supported by NIH, DHHS, Office of Minority Health.
Learning Objectives: 1.Inadequate compliance with guidelines for Colorectal Cancer screening among urban African-American people, compared with other age/gender specific cancer screening. 2.Barriers to Colorectal Cancer screening in urban African-American individuals. 3.Demographic and personal characteristics that may influence Colorectal Cancer screening compliance for the individual urban African-American person
Keywords: Cancer Screening, Cancer Prevention
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.