Introduction
The USPSTF recommends that individuals get screened for colorectal cancer. It classifies screening for those aged 50-79 years as grade A and adults aged 45-49 years as grade B, depending on the screening’s significance (U.S Preventive Services Task Force, 2021). The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, except for cancers of the skin (Siegel et al., 2023). The American Cancer Society predicts around 106,590 new cases of CRC in 2024, including 54,210 in men and 52,380 in women (Siegel et al., 2023). CRC is also the second most common cause of cancer mortality in the United States, and it has higher cases in Miami, hence the emphasis on screening. This paper proposes a community event aimed at increasing CRC awareness in Miami.
Conceptual Model
The conceptual model for the community event revolves around increasing awareness of colorectal cancer screening and encouraging preventative healthcare in the Miami area. We hope to raise awareness about the need for early diagnosis through screening, thereby lowering the incidence and fatality rates related to colorectal cancer. Currently, Miami-Dade County has colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rate of 34.2, higher than the Florida mean of 34.7 (Miami-Dade Matters, 2024). Nevertheless, 23 counties in Florida had a higher than normal CRC incidence rate, while having screening rates lower than the state average. Therefore, there is a higher need to create a community event for people in Miami to increase awareness.
Population for Screening
Adults over the age of 50, as well as those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, make up the demographic we are targeting. While the usual guideline is to start screening at age 45, persons at higher risk may need to start sooner. Currently, the USPSTF recommends screening for people above 50 years because they have the highest risk of getting colorectal cancer (U.S Preventive Services Task Force, 2021). Although people at the age of 45 may be at risk too, they may not necessarily benefit from the screening as those above 50 years would do. By focusing on this group, we intend to reach people who are most at risk for colorectal cancer and can benefit from screening programs. Thus, our major target population includes adults above 50 years of age.
Location
The event will take place at a strategically placed community facility in Miami, which is conveniently accessible to individuals from diverse areas. This location offers a warm and unbiased environment for people to connect, learn, and participate in screening activities. Therefore, the event shall be held at West Miami City Hall Community Center which is located on 901 SW 62nd Ave. West Miami, FL 33144. This location is ideal as it is surrounded by different cities in Miami-Dade County, giving access to people from different areas, even those in the remote areas of the county. The event shall be held on April 1, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Screening Activity
Screening procedures used include colonoscopy, fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), sigmoidoscopy, and stool DNA studies. Colonoscopy, regarded as the gold standard, is inserting a flexible tube with an imaging device into the rectum to inspect the whole colon for anomalies (CDC, 2023). FOBT and FIT detect blood in stool, which may indicate the existence of tumors or cancer. Sigmoidoscopy checks the bottom section of the colon, whereas stool DNA tests look for changes in DNA in stool samples (CDC, 2023). These screening approaches are critical in finding lesions that are precancerous or early-stage malignancies when therapy is most successful, eventually saving lives through timely intervention.
The major screening activity at the event is going to involve fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), a non-intrusive and inexpensive approach for identifying blood in the stool, which is frequently a symptom of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous tumors (CDC, 2023). Participants will be given FIT kits and directives for performing the test at home. On top of that, educational materials shall be provided to teach visitors about alternative screening methods such as colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, urging them to explore these with their healthcare practitioners.
Cost
All participants will attend the event for free as a result of generous funding from local healthcare organizations and community partners. In addition, we shall seek funding from the local government to make the event as successful, appealing, and effective as possible. The funds cover screening kits, teaching materials, food and beverages, and any additional activities or services provided during the event. By removing financial obstacles, we hope to guarantee that cost does not impede participation, especially for underprivileged groups who might encounter economic difficulties in receiving healthcare services. The West Miami City Hall Community Center offers free lots from where we shall give our services. In addition, staff shall be hospital workers and medical school student volunteers willing to use the platform to give back to society.
Summary
Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem, but its effect can be reduced by preventative strategies including screening, early identification, and appropriate care. Our Miami community event aims to empower people to take charge of their health by encouraging colorectal cancer screenings and giving information and support for making informed decisions. We hope to make a significant contribution to colorectal cancer prevention and control in the community we serve by reaching out to the target demographic, providing accessible screening alternatives, and creating a supportive atmosphere for discussion and education.
References
CDC. (2023, February 23). What should I know about screening for colorectal cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Miami-Dade Matters. (2024). Miami-Dade matters: Indicators: Colorectal cancer incidence rate: County: Miami-Dade.
Siegel, R. L., Wagle, N. S., Cercek, A., Smith, R. A., & Jemal, A. (2023). Colorectal cancer statistics, 2023. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 73(3), 233–254. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21772
U.S Preventive Services Task Force. (2021, May 18). Colorectal Cancer: Screening. United States Preventive Services Taskforce.
write