Important contribution of health care accessibility in colorectal cancer screening awareness and literacy

Objectives: Korean American is repeatedly reported to have one of the lowest colorectal cancer screening rates. The purpose of this study was to examine levels of awareness and literacy of colorectal cancer risk factors and screening guideline and identify relevant predictors in Korean American women. Methods: 233 KA women aged 20 to 85 were recruited in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Georgia. Data were collected through a self-administered survey or face-to-face interviews in 2016. Colorectal cancer screening literacy was measured by 7-item questions adopted from the American Cancer Society’s colorectal cancer screening guidelines and risk factors. Findings: Finings showed that approximately 57% and 70% of the participants, respectively, had heard of a fecal occult blood test or Sigmoidoscopy, while about 92% heard of colonoscopy. However, only 35% were aware of screening guideline of colonoscopy. Having a primary care physician was consistently associated with awareness of three types of colorectal cancer screening while getting an annual check-up and social support were significant factors for colorectal cancer and screening literacy. Conclusion and Implications: Korean American women had relatively high awareness and literacy of colorectal cancer risk factors and screening methods. However, particular attention should be given to those who lack health accessibility and social support. Development of community-based intervention to reach those who do not routinely use health care systems is important to improve colorectal cancer screening rates in this underserved group while continuously encouraging health care providers to educate their patients about importance of routine receipt of colorectal cancer screenings.