Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Development of a Statewide Initiative in Colorectal Cancer Screening

2009; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 104; Linguagem: Inglês

10.14309/00000434-200910003-01525

1572-0241

Brenda J. Hoffman, Anjee Davis, Virginie G. Daguisé, Thomas G. Gillette, Simonika Spencer, March Seabrook, Frank Berger,

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection

Purpose: In 1996, the state of South Carolina ranked at the bottom of nearly every measurement of its colorectal screening initiatives. Researchers had been unable to develop statewide programs for screening. Methods: In March of that year, a statewide summit of diverse but invested individuals was held. Aims: 1. To develop a unified culturally sensitive message to address and reduce health disparities in South Carolina. 2. To develop a CRC screening program; increase screening and treatment of colorectal cancer for the medically underserved in South Carolina. Results: August 2006 - SC Medicaid Program's 45,000 enrollees who are 50 years and older are now eligible for screening colonoscopy January 2007 - SC State Employee Health Plan's 95,000 members who are 50 years or older are now eligible for colonoscopy screening Grant for Dialogue for Action approved and program instituted February 2008 - BCBSSC 75,000 fully insured enrollees who are 50 years and older are now covered for colonoscopy screening March 2009 - 200 billboards statewide Hair Expo Launch - 3 areas across the state focusing on disseminating information to African Americans Faith Based CRC Screening Programs: November 2007 & March 2008 BCBSSC Foundation Grant Awarded $100,000 to the Center for Colon Cancer Research & SCGA SC DHEC FY 08-09 - State legislature allocated 1 million for SCOPE SC CRC Screening Program. Conclusion: Research interests alone are insufficient for the development of statewide initiatives. A diverse group of individuals from patients, families, research, clinical interest, clergy, legislature, insurance industry and groups such as the American Cancer Society and DHEC are needed to initiate and maintain statewide programs.