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Abstract
The incidence of early onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC) has been increasing with AAs carrying the greatest burden of colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality rates. The current screening guidelines for CRC recommend that anyone with an average risk of developing colorectal cancer should be screened starting at age 45. However, few studies have addressed how to reach high risk young adult (ages 18-45) AAs with obesity. Raising awareness of the eoCRC on multiple levels will be essential to adequately address and reduce the disease's burden. Addressing cancer screening among high-risk young patients with obesity is complex, requires a multi-disciplinary approach, needs varied intervention strategies and specific actions to assess needs, identify gaps, and increase screening rates. Bringing the message about the importance of family history and educating young adults on risk factors is crucial in addressing this growing challenge and the threats posed by later-stage colorectal cancer. Such an effort, coupled with educational awareness, early detection, and risk-reducing practices among young adults, will be pivotal to making earlier diagnoses when cancer is more treatable. The overall goal of this research study is to examine the barriers to reducing the burden of eoCRC. This research study had three aims. The first is to assess the needs and gaps in reaching high-risk young AA adults with obesity. The second purpose is to better understand what type of interventions are needed to reach young adults and to improve the uptake of colorectal cancer screening for early detection.