Carolinas Cancer Education and Screening (CARES) Project

A Good Idea

Description

The Carolinas Cancer Education and Screening (CARES) Project used a educational intervention to reach low-income women in subsidized housing communities in 11 cities in North and South Carolina to improve colorectal cancer screening knowledge. The project used a media campaign to increase awareness of the benefits of early detection and to encourage women to reduce their risk by identifying and reducing barriers to obtaining screening. Outreach materials included advertisements in community newspapers, segments on local radio stations, direct mailings, brochures, and waiting-room posters. Monthly examination room posters reminded health care providers to talk to their patients about colorectal cancer screening options.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this project is to improve colorectal cancer screening awareness among low-income women traditionally underserved by cancer control efforts.

Results / Accomplishments

The project was evaluated with a non-randomized controlled study that used face-to-face interviews to asses colorectal cancer beliefs, knowledge, barriers, and screening rates. There was a significant increase in positive beliefs about colorectal cancer screening (p = 0.010) and in the intention to complete colorectal cancer screening in the next year (p = 0.053) following the intervention. Despite this increase in positive attitude toward colorectal cancer screening, there was no statistical difference in screening participation rates between the intervention groups and control groups.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Ohio State University College of Public Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Primary Contact
Mira Katz, PhD
A-352 Starling Loving Hall
College of Public Health
320 West 10th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 293-5611
mira.katz@osumc.edu
http://cph.osu.edu/
Topics
Health / Cancer
Health / Prevention & Safety
Organization(s)
Ohio State University College of Public Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Source
Cancer
Date of publication
Oct 2007
Date of implementation
Sep 2001
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
North Carolina & South Carolina
For more details
Target Audience
Adults, Racial/Ethnic Minorities