Improving colorectal cancer screening: a partnership between primary care practices and the American Cancer Society

J Cancer Educ. 2009;24(1):22-7. doi: 10.1080/08858190802665195.

Abstract

Background: The American Cancer Society (ACS) is interested in facilitating colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) in primary care.

Methods: Similar clinics were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 CRCS arms: (1) usual care, (2) exam-room posters designed by the ACS; and (3) posters plus patient reminder calls from an ACS volunteer.

Results: Compared to patients due for screening in Arm 1, the odds ratio for getting CRCS in Arm 2 was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-1.34), P value not significant; in Arm 3, it was 1.49 (95% CI, 1.16-1.90), P value < .001.

Conclusions: Exam-room posters plus patient reminder calls from the ACS can increase CRCS in primary care.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • American Cancer Society*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Odds Ratio
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Primary Health Care*
  • United States
  • Volunteers