A Promotor-Led Pilot Study to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Latinos: The Juntos Contra El Cáncer Program

Background. Latinos have lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, despite an overall increase in CRC screening over the past 10 years. To address this disparity, we implemented a promotor-led intervention to increase CRC screening test adherence in community-based settings, connecting community members with a partnering federally qualified health center. Purpose. To evaluate the Juntos Contra el Cáncer/Together Against Cancer (JUNTOS) intervention, by assessing pre–post changes in (1) CRC screening test adherence and (2) CRC knowledge and perceived barriers to CRC screening. We also assessed the feasibility and acceptability of program activities. Method. JUNTOS was a group-based intervention, delivered by promotores (community health workers), to promote CRC screening test adherence among Latino adults. The intervention consisted of a culturally tailored 2½-hour interactive workshop followed by an appointment scheduling assistance from a promotor. Workshop participants were Latino adults (males and females) aged 50 to 75 years who were not up-to-date with CRC screening guidelines. We conducted interviews before and 6 to 9 months after the workshop to assess program outcomes. Results. Of the 177 participants included, 118 reported completing the CRC screening test (66.7%) by 6 to 9 months postintervention. We observed baseline to 6- to 9-month increase in CRC knowledge and lower perceived barriers to obtaining CRC screening. Furthermore, the intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable. Conclusion. Results suggest that JUNTOS can be feasibly implemented in partnership with a federally qualified health center. The current study supports group-based CRC interventions in community and clinic settings.

Community Assessment of Colorectal Cancer Screening Compliance in Northwest Louisiana

Background In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates have steadily increased. The state of Louisiana has persistent lower screening rates compared to the United States and other states, and with African Americans experiencing the highest CRC incidence rates. Aggregate national and state data can be problematic in isolating key health issues and data in rural areas. Study Purpose: At the Louisiana parish-level, which is comparable to county municipalities in other U.S. states, the research study examined endoscopy CRC screening among African American Medicare beneficiaries. Method Using cluster sampling, survey-based data from two neighboring parishes in northwest Louisiana were collected. The survey instrument was adapted from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. Results The key study variables were CRC screening compliance, residence location, self-reported CRC knowledge, and physician recommendation. The findings showed significant differences in CRC screening compliance between the two parishes. Participants with CRC knowledge score of at least 3 out of 5 were more likely to be compliant with CRC screening. The findings demonstrated the importance of isolating geo-specific data, especially in rural areas, to plan effective health education or intervention strategies.

Cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer: a review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in women and the third most common in men. Adenocarcinoma accounts for 90% of CRC cases. There has been accumulating evidence in support of the cancer stem cell (CSC) concept of cancer which proposes that CSCs are central in the initiation of cancer. CSCs have been the focus of study in a range of cancers, including CRC. This has led to the identification and understanding of genes involved in the induction and maintenance of pluripotency of stem cells, and markers for CSCs, including those investigated specifically in CRC. Knowledge of the expression pattern of CSCs in CRC has been increasing in recent years, revealing a heterogeneous population of cells within CRC ranging from pluripotent to differentiated cells, with overlapping and sometimes unique combinations of markers. This review summarises current literature on the understanding of CSCs in CRC, including evidence of the presence of CSC subpopulations, and the stem cell markers currently used to identify and localise these CSC subpopulations. Future research into this field may lead to improved methods for early detection of CRC, novel therapy and monitoring of treatment for CRC and other cancer types.

Child Rights As Perceived by the Community Members in India

Attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of an individual influence their behavior as well as culture of a society. The objective of the study was to understand the attitudes and knowledge of 584 Indian community members regarding child rights and their perceptions about whether selected child rights were secured in reality. Overall attitudes of vast majority (96 – 98%) of the participants towards child rights were found to be positive i.e., children should have rights in various respects except issue like right to meet others (Article 15 of CRC). Knowledge of majority of the participants about child rights related legislations was moderate and varied across the cities while participants were unanimous about poor lived experiences of child rights in reality. So far as attitude and perception are concerned about child rights, there was a significant difference in the distribution between cities (p&lt;0.01). Overall, the Rights of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 had the highest awareness (91.3%, <em>n=533</em>), followed by the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (89.7%, <em>n=523</em>) and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (89.6%, <em>n=523</em>). Findings of the present study speak in favor of community awareness about child rights and penalties for violation of child rights.