Development of a Group-Based Community Health Worker Intervention to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Latinos

Introduction: Latinos are at higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality than non-Hispanic Whites due, in part, to disparities in cancer screening. There is a need to evaluate community-based CRC interventions as they may reach underinsured communities and those at highest risk for CRC. This article describes the development of a group-based CRC intervention (Juntos contra el Cancer). Method: Purposive sampling was used to recruit Latino men and women aged 50 to 75 years not-up-to-date with CRC screening. The development of the intervention was guided by the socioecologic framework, a community needs assessment, literature reviews, five focus groups (n = 39) from the target community and feedback from a Community Advisory Board. Results: Findings from focus groups suggested that a group-based, promotor or community health worker (CHW) led, cancer prevention education with linkages to care would address barriers to CRC screening. Conclusion: Development of community-based CRC screening interventions should be informed by early and sustained community engagement. Interventions led by CHWs with linkages to care are feasible and can reach populations not connected to health care settings.