The Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC) has created a comprehensive statewide colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and advocacy program, funded by the state of Delaware, in an effort to reduce CRC incidence and mortality. The program includes a multimedia campaign urging every state citizen, age 50 and older, to get tested for CRC. It also includes a system for case management with designated nurses (colorectal screening program coordinators) in hospitals to guide people through the screening process. This presentation will describe the role of these pioneer program coordinators and the challenges they face to address community needs.

Since colorectal cancer affects people of all races, educational levels and socioeconomic groups, one of the biggest challenges of the CRC screening program coordinator faces is to reach all of these people and get them to understand the need for screening. Due to the location of the disease and the preparation necessary for screening, many people find the topic unpleasant and don't wish to discuss it. This creates a special challenge for the coordinators as they work to get the public to react positively to getting tested for colorectal cancer. The Health Belief Model and the Social Cognitive Theory provide a theoretical framework to approach this issue. Examples of several programs the CRC screening program coordinators have used to educate the community will be highlighted.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from SGNA's 33rd Annual Course, SGNA on a Mission: Exceeding Expectations. The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.