Assessment of Colon Cancer Literacy in Screening Colonoscopy Patients: A Validation Study

Background Few, if any, instruments assess disease-specific health literacy in colon cancer patients. We aimed to validate the Assessment of Colon Cancer Literacy (ACCL) compared with a standard health literacy test, the Newest Vital Sign (NVS). Materials and Methods A convenience sample of screening colonoscopy patients was surveyed. General health literacy was assessed with the NVS and colon cancer literacy with the ACCL. Contingency table analysis was performed. Results are frequency (proportion) or mean. Results Sixty-one subjects completed our survey, mean age 64 ± 9 y, 33 (54%) were women, 28 (46%) had a college degree, 38 (62%) had prior colonoscopy, and 19 (31%) worked in healthcare. The sensitivity and specificity of NVS to identify limited colon cancer literacy was 45.7% and 86.7%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of ACCL to identify limited general health literacy was 91.3% and 34.2%, respectively. Conclusions The ACCL is a valid, sensitive measure of health literacy. Furthermore, given its focus on clinically relevant content, this instrument may facilitate discussion of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis with colon cancer patients. ACCL is a novel, valid health literacy instrument that may aid gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, and medical oncologists in optimizing patient education.