COLON CANCER SCREENING IN THE LOWCOUNTRY: BARRIERS TO CARE
Hickory Knob Research Symposium Abstract

Zakiya Steadman MD
Nikki Halverson MD

Introduction: Colon cancer is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. For these reasons, screening and early diagnosis have been emphasized for all at risk patients. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends one of five screening methods in men and women over the age of 50 if they are average risk (devoid of adenomatous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer or family history of colon cancer). These methods include fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) annually, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, FOBT annually AND sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, double contrast barium enema every 5 to 10 years or colonoscopy every 10 years. The purpose of our project is to assess the compliance of our patient’s over 50 with the ACS screening recommendations and compare them to state and national averages. We will also evaluate the reasons for non-compliance if present.

Methods: Literature search for background information on colon cancer and a search of the CDC website for compliance rates nationwide and in the state of South Carolina was conducted. A survey was distributed to our family medicine clinic patients over 50 who presented in a one month time period to asses their self reported compliance or barriers.

Results: Demographic data and patients’ responses to various questions pertaining to their compliance with ACS guidelines, or lack thereof, will be presented.

Conclusions: Colon cancer screening is vital to early detection and prevention of colon cancer. It is important to stress the significance of screening to prevent poor patient outcomes.