Exploring the link between religiosity and colorectal cancer screening

Background: African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of disease across a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer. The underutilization of colorectal cancer screening often results in late stage diagnosis and higher mortality rates, especially among African Americans. Many socio-cultural factors are associated with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in minority populations suggesting that strategies for reducing health disparities require more than the traditional routes of patient and health education. Exploring the role of faith-based institutions in health-related research is important to the effort to eliminate health disparities. Methods: A community-engaged approach was used to recruit churches from four denominational groups: Baptist, Seventh-day Adventist, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal. Data were obtained using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Results: A total of 307 congregants from twenty churches participated in focus groups and survey data collection. Preliminary findings show that 87% of participants had had a personal experience with cancer, and 47% of these reported it made their faith stronger. Prayer was cited as the most frequent way to help a family member or friend cope with cancer. Among those 50 years and older (n=188), a majority (>70%) had a regular doctor and health insurance; however, only 51% of them had had a colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy. Conclusions: A lot remains to be done to inform and educate African Americans about cancer control. The identification and inclusion of socio-cultural determinants of colorectal cancer screening could lead to the delivery of effective tailored interventions through a faith-based community.