Online Program

327575
A Southeastern State's Colon Cancer Screening Program: Identifying a Target Population


Monday, November 2, 2015

Stephanie Smith, MPH Candidate, Department of Health Promotion and Administration, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY
Derek Holcomb, PhD, Department of Health Promotion and Administration, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY
Teri Wood, PhD, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Branch, Kentucky Department for Public Health, Frankfort, KY
purpose:Colon cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people aged 50 and older. However, through regular screenings, this type of cancer can often be prevented through the removal of polyps, or detected at an early stage when the cancer is most treatable. The primary purpose of this study was to analyze secondary cancer data from a colon cancer screening program targeting low income, uninsured residents of a southeastern state to identify which risk factors are associated with finding adenomatous polyps or cancer during colonoscopy. 

data&methods:Through conducting a logistic regression of secondary data that was obtained through a colon cancer prevention program.

results:The sample included 596 participants, in which 76.5% were female. Examination of preliminary results show those with a previous abnormal colon cancer test result were significantly more likely (p<.05) to have polyps or lesions suspicious for cancer (51.7%) compared to those with a previous normal colon cancer test result (35.8%). There were 38.7% of participants found to have polyps or lesions suspicious for cancer and of those, 50.7% were adenomas with no high grade.

conclusion&recommendations:Using a public health framework to provide targeted colon cancer screening to low income, uninsured, high-risk adults is an effective approach for preventing colon cancer through removal of polyps. Identification of risk factors in determining whether to provide FIT testing or colonoscopy as the first line of colon cancer screening is effective in providing screening to an underserved population in a cost efficient manner.

Learning Areas:

Chronic disease management and prevention
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
List 3 predictive risk factors most associated with identification of polyps or the diagnosis of colon cancer and identify average, increased and high risk factors for colon cancer.

Keyword(s): Cancer Prevention and Screening, Risk Factors/Assesment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the primary investigator with this research, which allowed me to conduct a rigorous literature review. During this process, I became very familiar with the background of colon cancer. I have focused on the epidemiology, risk factors, prevention and screening methods, and the diagnosis of colon cancer. Among my interests has been the narrowing of a target population for colon cancer screening programs.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.