S621 Increasing Colon Cancer Screening Among Previously Reluctant Populations: Importance of Tailored Messaging

Introduction: Hispanic adults in the United States have reported colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates of 52%, with adults speaking only Spanish having rates as low as 32%. Factors reported to contribute to reluctance to undergo screening include access, cost, and fear. This study evaluated the impact of language inclusivity in educational materials reviewing screening options. Methods: University health care providers (HCPs) and leadership at an urban community center available to Spanish-speaking immigrants organized a health fair to increase CRC awareness. An anonymous survey obtained participant demographics, CRC knowledge, screening preferences and personal knowledge of anyone diagnosed with CRC. Educational material about CRC was distributed in English and Spanish. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test and Chi-Square test, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: All 54 health fair participants (27 male, 26 female, 1 did not report gender) completed the anonymous survey. Twenty-five (46.3%) identified as Black, 20 (37%) Hispanic, 6 (11.1%) White, 1 Asian (1.9%) and 2 (3.7%) did not report race/ethnicity. Thirty-three (61%) reported English and 16 (30%) Spanish as their primary language. Sixteen (30%) reported knowing someone diagnosed with CRC. Participants’ screening preferences included blood tests when they become readily available 16 (30%), colonoscopy 15 (28%), stool testing 7 (14%), CT colonography 0 (0%), capsule endoscopy 0 (0%), any option 11 (21%) with 5 (10%) declining all screening options. Individuals who knew someone with CRC were more likely to prefer screening colonoscopy (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in screening preference by gender (P = 0.32298). Hispanics were more likely to decline CRC screening compared to others (P = 0.034). After receiving CRC education, 100% of whites, 79% of Hispanics, and 75% of blacks reported increased willingness to undergo screening. Conclusion: This study revealed that Hispanics were less likely to desire CRC screening. Educational resources provided in Spanish which discussed all screening options increased interest in screening. Additionally, if individuals were aware of someone with CRC, screening was desired. It is important for HCPs to individualize CRC messages, review all screening options and tailor outreach to community preferences in effort to improve screening rates which will optimize clinical outcomes.