Purpose: We reviewed the impact of a community based participatory process (CBPP) addressing cancer education, prevention, and screening in five major ethnic/minority populations in Southeastern Michigan to determine their impact on personal health related decisions.

Materials and Methods: From 2003 to 2009, 2,988 community members participated in CBPP conducted by Beaumont Cancer Institute in collaboration with the Arab American and Chaldean Council, Michigan Association of Physicians from India, North American Indian Association, American Indian Health and Family Services, Mexican Consulate, Multicultural La Famila, National Cancer Institute, and American Cancer Society. The study population consisted of 1,253 (42%) individuals completing a post‐cancer forum survey and/or obtaining some type of cancer screenings: 747 (59.6%) from African American, 425 (33.9%) from Arab American/Chaldean, 14 (1.1%) from Native American, 35 (2.8%) from South East Asian and 32 (2.6%) from Hispanic/Latino communities. Data were collected on behavioral intent and knowledge including: (1) forum content, (2) participants' cancer screening history, (3) symposium logistics (4) educational materials and (5) participation in subsequent cancer screening tests.

Results: After attending at least one cancer forum, 426 (34%) of 1,253 respondents (14.3 % of all attendees) underwent some type of cancer screening: 146 women (11.7%) underwent a screening mammogram, 94 (7.5%) a pap smear and 97 (7.7%) men underwent a screening PSA. A total of 89 (7.1%) had other forms of cancer screenings.

Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that CBPP's around a perceived and/or serious disease negatively affecting a target population can positively impact their personal health related decisions.

Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B33.

Copyright © January 7, 2010, American Association for Cancer Research
2010