Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer and third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Early detection can play a significant role in saving people’s lives. However, the national rate of screenings for colorectal cancer is very low. Although the behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) gathers data on the screening rate there is not enough information on why majority of the people do not screen on recommended time. The purpose of this study was to gather information from primary care health professionals about the barriers and strategies to promote screening among Tompkins County residents. This presentation will describe the major barriers that are identified by these practitioners and their suggestions for strategies to promote screening. It will also highlight how health education may play a key role in this process by targeting the area of patient education and in-service training for primary care health professionals.
Learning Objectives: After the session the participants are able to:
a.learn the use of Nominal Group Process in gathering preliminary data.
b.expand their understanding of primary care health professional’s perspective on the barriers to screening for colorectal cancer and strategies to promote screening
c.increase knowledge about the use of these preliminary data directly and indirectly by generating scientific survey instrument for paper and pencil or telephone survey of larger representative sample including practitioners as well as target population.
d.find out different possibilities in using these information on barriers and strategies in health education programs and prepare community health educators to get employment in a variety of community settings.