Combating cancer disparities through faith based partnerships

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: African Americans suffer a disproportionate burden from cancer. In South Carolina, the disparities are even greater. The overall goal of the NCI-funded South Carolina Cancer Disparities Community Network (SCCDCN) is lessen the burden of cancer in the African American community through partnerships with the African American churches. STUDY DESIGN: Survey data was collected from 19 churches throughout South Carolina on attitudes, behaviors and lifestyles related to cancer. POPULATION STUDIED: The study sample included African American women and men ages 18 years and over. The response rate was 40%, i.e., 735 responses from the 1800 people who were mailed a survey. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The majority of the women responders (79%) had a mammogram in the last 2 years; 98% had a pap smear in the last 5 years; and 30% had never been screened for colorectal cancer. Most men (91%) had a digital rectal exam within the last 5 years; 85% had a PSA within the last 5 years; over 30% had been screened for colorectal cancer. Overall, the majority of respondents reported being overweight or obese; not exercising regularly; and eating less than 5 fruits and vegetables daily. CONCLUSIONS: African-American men and women were likely to report a cancer screening; however, the cancer statistics and the reported screening behavior are not congruent. IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, DELIVERY OR PRACTICE: The SCCDCN is well positioned to understand this disconnect through the collaboration with churches and provide evidence that can help direct policy, practice, and delivery to improve cancer rates.