Against Colorectal Cancer in Our Neighborhoods, a Community-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program Targeting...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the US.
• Screening rates remain suboptimal, particularly among vulnerable populations.
• Health disparities in screening access and utilization persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a community-based colorectal cancer screening program.
• To address disparities in screening among uninsured, low-income, and Hispanic populations.
• To inform decision-makers on resource requirements for similar health promotion programs.

Main Methods:

• Development of the 'Against Colorectal Cancer in our Neighborhoods' program.
• A bilingual, multicomponent intervention utilizing community health workers.
• Provision of no-cost screening (fecal immunochemical test or colonoscopy) and navigation services.

Main Results:

• The program development cost was $243,278 (societal perspective, 2011 dollars).
• Direct costs for program development amounted to $180,344.
• A detailed process and outcome evaluation is planned.

Conclusions:

• The program's development process and costs provide valuable insights for health program planners.
• Understanding resource needs is crucial for developing effective programs to reduce disease burden.
• This initiative targets specific disparities to improve colorectal cancer screening in underserved communities.