Fayetteville area inter-faith commitment to colorectal health awareness and cancer reduction among African Americans

The goal of this study was to reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) among African Americans in Fayetteville, North Carolina. An educational intervention was implemented to 1) increase knowledge of CRC prevention, screening, and detection, 2) decrease cancer fatalism, and 3) increase participation in screening for CRC among African Americans age 50 and older in general and age 40 and older who are at high risk for CRC.

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy were recommended to screen for CRC. The objectives of the project focused on African Americans in the Fayetteville area were to: 1) identify environmental and lifestyle risk factors for CRC, 2) develop an educational intervention to promote the use of CRC prevention, screening, and early detection activities, and 3) evaluate the effect of a culturally targeted educational intervention on knowledge, cancer fatalism, health beliefs and screening behaviors for CRC.

The sample of African American men and women was recruited from 25 faith/community-based organizations and participated in a one-hour educational session. The research questions were 1) What is the effect of a culturally targeted educational intervention on perceived risks, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and cancer fatalism scores? 2) What is the effect of a culturally targeted colorectal educational intervention on CRC screening behaviors of African Americans living in Fayetteville? and 3) What are the demographic and socioeconomic factors that predict CRC screening among African Americans in the Fayetteville area? Preliminary findings, policy issues and implications of the study will be discussed.