Arkansas Cancer Coalition
Project Description:
This application focuses efforts on one goal within the Arkansas Cancer plan: goal F, Chapter 2: Screening and Detection, section IV, increase colorectal cancer screening rates, thereby decreasing the number of avoidable deaths caused by the cancer. The Arkansas Disability and Health Program (ADHP), through collaborations with community-based organizations, will address this goal statewide in a greatly underserved and disparate population: individuals with paralysis and healthcare professionals who care for them. While individuals with paralysis follow the same United States Preventive Services Task Force Screening Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer, preparation can be negatively impacted by regimented bowel preparation and mobility limitations commonly experienced in this population. People with paralysis (1 in 50 people) are the primary target of this work, however, it will help any individual with disabilities (29.6% of Arkansans) as well as anyone on a prescribed a bowel program. This project, if funded, will address two of the objectives within goal F of the Arkansas Cancer Plan: Objective 1. Increase public awareness about colorectal cancer and Objective 2. Devise systems or promote system changes that will increase colorectal cancer screening, particularly for minority or underserved populations. ADHP staff will research and develop culturally appropriate health education materials regarding colorectal cancer screening and preparation specific to individuals who are on regimented bowel programs and have mobility limitations that can be negatively impacted by colonoscopy preparation. ADHP will also identify alternate preparation methods and resources around the state that can benefit these individuals needing this exam. ADHP has a long history of working with disability organizations around the state to disseminate this information to individuals they serve. Through healthcare professional continuing medical education offering(s), ADHP will promote systems change so physicians, nurses, pharmacists, radiologist and radiology technicians are more aware of complications experienced with colonoscopy prep encountered by individuals with paralysis and bowel programs. ADHP will
work with a content and disability expert to develop and facilitate presentation(s) to healthcare professionals statewide and promote cultural competency and awareness of common complications that can result from conventional preparation and screening methods. These activities based on the current Arkansas Cancer Plan will increase colorectal cancer screening rates as well as adherence to preparation, thereby decreasing avoidable cancer related death.
Keyword(s):
Colon Cancer Screening, paralysis, mobility limitations
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
