Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111469

Gregory Makoul, PhD¹, Lee Francis, MD, MPH², Kenzie A. Cameron, PhD¹, Michael S. Wolf, PhD, MPH³, and David W. Baker, MD, MPH⁴. (1) Program in Communication & Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 695-1479, k-cameron@northwestern.edu, (2) Erie Family Health Center, 1701 West Superior, Chicago, IL 60610, (3) Institute for Health Services Research and Policy Studies, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60611, (4) The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St. Clair St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60611

In the Hispanic/Latino population, a relatively high incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is coupled with low utilization of proven screening tests. This study assessed Spanish-speaking patients' perceptions regarding colorectal cancer and CRC screening. A structured interview protocol was developed with items assessing knowledge and experience regarding CRC and CRC screening, language preference, use and ability, and demographics. A total of 234 participants completed interviews with bilingual promotoras; all interviews were conducted in Spanish. Participants' mean age was 62 years (sd=7.6); 60% were female. Although 68% indicated that they had heard of colon/rectal/colorectal cancer, only 57.7% indicated that they knew where in the body the colon is found; of those, only 32.1% correctly identified it. Less than one-third of participants knew about any of the standard CRC screening tests; most participants reported that lack of screening was due to lack of knowledge. After hearing descriptions of FOBT, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy, participants perceived FOBT as easier, safer, less painful, less embarrassing, and less scary than either of the invasive tests (p<.001). In addition, the vast majority indicated they would consider getting FOBT (84.6%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (74.4%), and colonoscopy (79.5%). Virtually 100% said they would get screened if a doctor suggested it. Overall, patients see some advantages to FOBT but express a willingness to undergo any of the screening procedures, particularly if recommended by a physician. Patient education programs addressing concerns such as limited literacy and limited familiarity with relevant terms are needed to reinforce messages promoting CRC screening.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to (
• describe attitudes and beliefs of Spanish-speaking patients in a community clinic regarding colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening and (
• discuss the challenges of providing patient education programs while addressing concerns such as limited literacy and limited familiarity with relevant terms.

Keywords: Patient Education, Cancer Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.