Increasing colorectal cancer knowledge, awareness, and intent to screen in an underserved region

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice.Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States that can be identified and prevented through early screening. Current screening rates do not meet existing recommendations, especially in medically underserved areas where there is reduced access to primary care services. A lack of CRC awareness and knowledge have been identified as two of the largest barriers to screening. An inflatable colon tour has been proven an effective intervention to address CRC knowledge and awareness deficits. This DNP project was designed as a community awareness initiative in an underserved area using a pre- and post-survey with the purpose of increasing colorectal cancer awareness, knowledge, and intent to discuss and complete CRC screening. This quasi-experimental study had a QI focus and used a convenience sample in a public setting who completed a pre-and post-survey assessing colorectal cancer awareness, knowledge, and intent to discuss and complete screening (n =185 persons screened with n =85 meeting inclusion criteria). Post-tour CRC awareness scores showed a statistically significant increase in mean scores at p <.001. Colorectal cancer knowledge scores showed a statistically significant increase in post-test scores at p <.001. Post-tour, there was an 82% increase in people who identified as "very likely" or "definitely" willing to discuss CRC screening with their healthcare provider and a 133% increase in people identifying as "very likely" or "definitely" likely to complete CRC screening in the next 6 months. This project is evidence that community events using inflatable models can successfully increase cancer awareness and knowledge in underserved populations.Nursing PracticeCollege of Nursing and Health Science