Impact of Colorectal Cancer and Nutrition Education Program Among Minority Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death in the United States (US)1. In 2019, over 140,000 adults were newly diagnosed with CRC and over 50,000 died.Furthermore, colorectal cancer disproportionately affects minorities and individuals with diabetes. Research has proven that interventions can increase cancer screening rates and improve lifestyle choices that put minorities at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer and diabetes. This proposal will assess the impact of a colorectal cancer and nutrition education program among minority patients with type 2 diabetes by carrying out three aims. Aim 1: Examine factors associated with colorectal cancer screening among patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this objective is to identify factors associated with colorectal cancer screening among patients with type 2 diabetes by comparing patients who have received screening verses those who have not. It is hypothesized that patients with type 2 diabetes who have not met colorectal cancer screening guidelines have low socioeconomic status (income 100% below poverty level, lack health insurance, speak language other than English, less education); have fewer provider visits; are not married; and have poor health and health risk factors (uncontrolled diabetes, multiple comorbidities (3+), BMI\>30, depression, smoking and alcohol use history) compared to patients with type 2 diabetes who have met screening guidelines. Aim 2:Implement a customized patient-centered, culturally appropriate colorectal cancer education, and nutrition education program aimed at reducing the risk for colorectal cancer among patients with type 2 diabetes at a community health center. The aim of this objective is to deliver a customized patient-centered, culturally appropriate education program on (i) colorectal cancer (knowledge, perceptions, self-care, social norms; and colorectal cancer screening) and (ii) healthy nutrition based on dietary guidelines for colorectal cancer risk reduction and complementary to type 2 diabetes dietary guidelines, among minority patients at a community health center. Aim 3: Assess the impact of a patient-centered, culturally appropriate colorectal cancer education, and nutrition education intervention program on colorectal cancer screening and dietary indices among patients with type 2 diabetes; and compare outcomes with patients who do not receive the intervention (usual care). The first objective of this aim is to measure change in knowledge and perceptions about colorectal cancer, and colorectal cancer screening immediately and 6 months post intervention. It is hypothesized that patients in the intervention group will have (1) higher knowledge and higher perception scores compared to those receiving usual care and (2) 25% higher rate of colorectal cancer screening 12 months after the intervention, compared to those receiving usual care. The aim's second objective is to measure the change in dietary indices associated with colorectal cancer (fiber, fruits, vegetables, calcium, red meat, processed meat, fat, and alcohol consumption)and overall diet quality immediately and 6 months post intervention. It is hypothesized that patients who receive a patient-centered culturally appropriate nutrition education intervention program will be more likely to meet dietary guidelines for fiber, fruits, vegetables, calcium, red meat, processed meat, fat, and alcohol consumption and overall diet quality compared those receiving usual care. A five-phase study will be carried out at the Kedren Community Health Center (KCHC) in South Los Angeles that had a patient population of 48.4% African American and 47.5% Hispanic in 2020. Surveys and electronic health record will be used to recruit patients and provide study data. The impact of an education program will be assessed by comparing an intervention verses a control group, and change in knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors related to nutrition and colorectal cancer screening over time. A major anticipated outcome is increasing the rate of colorectal cancer screening among diabetic patients at KCHC. Another outcome is improving dietary choices among study participants. One or more manuscripts will be prepared for publication and findings will be presented at professional conferences and community forums.