Implementation and process evaluation of a workplace colorectal cancer screening program in eastern Washington

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Low colorectal cancer screening rates remain a significant public health challenge.
• Worksite interventions offer a promising avenue to improve screening uptake.
• Evidence-based strategies can be effectively translated into practical screening programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the Spokane Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, a novel worksite intervention.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of combining evidence-based strategies for colorectal cancer screening promotion.
• To measure the impact of the intervention on screening rates and employee awareness.

Main Methods:

• A 3-month pilot program involving physician-led seminars and free fecal immunochemical test distribution at worksites.
• Targeting employees aged 50 and older with educational outreach and convenient testing options.
• Measuring seminar attendance, test kit utilization, and screening rates in participating and comparison worksites.

Main Results:

• Approximately 9% of eligible employees took test kits, and 4% were screened using these kits.
• The program successfully integrated evidence-based strategies into a worksite setting.
• The intervention demonstrated promise in a short implementation period.

Conclusions:

• The Spokane Colorectal Cancer Screening Program is a promising, innovative worksite intervention for increasing colorectal cancer screening.
• The program effectively translated evidence-based strategies into practical application.
• Further, larger-scale studies are warranted to rigorously test the program's effects.