Colorectal cancer screening barriers.

e14175 Background: Colorectal cancer is the third cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet only 53% of adults over 50 are screened. Rates for minorities and patients without a high school education are lower. Colonoscopy may prevent 65% of cancers; identifying obstacles to screening could save lives. Our objective was to investigate obstacles and improve screening in Camden, NJ, a city that is 95% minority, only half of adults have completed high school, and 44% of families live below poverty level. Methods: In coordination with the American Cancer Society and Horizon Medicaid, we obtained data on Horizon enrollees at a primary care practice of Cooper University Hospital in Camden. All patients 50 and above with no insurance claims for screening in the last 10 years were included. 92 patients met criteria. We attempted to contact each by phone (via interpretation service if Spanish speaking). A standardized template was used to explain benefits of screening, ask for reasons for not having screening, offerin...