Disparities in cancer screening and care in rural communities warrant the need to determine effective ways to reach, engage, and educate the community residents. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to pilot methods to engage rural residents in colorectal cancer (CRC) research and education activities and assess knowledge of CRC guidelines, symptoms, and screening behaviors in this sample. The community-engaged research approach was employed to develop and distribute a CRC knowledge and screening behavior assessment using various methods such as email and community drop boxes placed throughout the community. Bivariate analysis assessed the relationship between age and CRC knowledge items. Three hundred ninety-one surveys were returned with most received from community drop boxes (60%) followed by educational events (23%). The most ineffective method to distribute surveys was through community events. Most individuals were knowledgeable of CRC symptoms (70%) and screening facts (67%). Bivariate analysis showed that individuals 50 years or older had significantly more knowledge of CRC risks and screening than those under the age of 50. This study highlights the potential of community drop boxes as an effective method for engaging rural communities. Further, findings from the survey highlight the need to focus CRC education on younger individuals in which CRC incidence has increased.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Community engagement; Rural health, screening.