UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:The WV Colorectal Cancer Initiative (CCI) sought to determine community pharmacists' attitudes and knowledge regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and their willingness to educate patients on screening guidelines. The CCI views pharmacists as a potential channel to communicate CRC screening information to average risk adults, particularly in rural areas. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely preventable, yet it remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Screening has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. However, fewer than 50% of the adult US population 50 years of age and older are adherent to screening guidelines. Pharmacists may have a role in educating or counseling patients about screening.

Methods:A questionnaire was mailed to community pharmacists practicing in West Virginia. After three reminders, 337 pharmacists, 50.5% of those eligible, returned completed questionnaires.

Results:A majority of respondents (75%) agreed that pharmacists have a responsibility to counsel patients about fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and 37.3% reported that they have a responsibility to counsel about colonoscopy. Nearly half (49.7%) reported that they are confident they can instruct patients on the use of FOBT kits while less than one third (32.1%) feel prepared to inform patients about CRC screening. Most respondents (86.1%) reported that they were at least somewhat likely to participate in training about CRC screening guidelines and how to counsel patients about using FOBT kits (82.7%) and sigmoidoscopies/colonoscopies (76.3%). Factors associated with willingness to counsel patients and participate in a training program will be presented.