Colorectal cancer education and screening program for the un- or under- insured in a primarily rural setting in Northeast Texas: Design and methods

Background: Although early detection and screening for colorectal cancer saves lives, screening rates remain suboptimal, especially for minorities, underserved populations, older adults (>60), men, un/under insured, and those living in rural settings. The goal of the colorectal cancer education and screening program is to target the un- or under- insured in a 19-county primarily rural target area to provide: 1) education concerning CRC and CRC screening to 12,000 individuals, and 2) CRC screenings (colonoscopy and/or FIT) to 5,1613 un- or under- insured individuals.

Methods: The education outreach team targets local health fairs, clinics, churches, etc. to educate individuals on CRC and the importance of screening. The program aims to then have those individuals electively undergo a colonoscopy and/or a FIT test. The number of those educated and screened is recorded. The results related to colonoscopy, FIT, and follow-up are collected.

Results: Primary outcomes include number of individuals educated, number of FIT test/colonoscopies performed and results of screening procedures.

Conclusions: This education and screening outreach program is designed to reach primarily rural and underserved populations eligible for colorectal screening. Results of efficacy of program will advance knowledge on how to conduct colorectal cancer outreach programs in rural settings.