Statement of Need

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among both men and women in California, with a total of 14,360 new cases expected during 2005 (California Cancer Facts and Figures, 2005). Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined, with 5,450 deaths from colorectal cancer expected during 2005 (California Cancer Facts and Figures, 2005).

Colorectal cancer can be prevented through regular screening, and mortality from colorectal cancer may be reduced by up to 30% when regular screening guidelines are followed. The American Cancer Society, United States Preventive Services Task Force, and the American Gastroenterological Association all recommend regular colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults aged 50 years and older. Despite these recommendations and the proven benefits of screening, only half of California adults aged 50 years and older report undergoing screening for colorectal cancer (California Health Interview Survey, 2003). Latinos, Asians and Pacific Islanders are less likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening compared to Caucasians and African Americans. Disparities in screening also exist due to health insurance status, income and immigrant status.

Program Overview

California’s Dialogue for Action will be an innovative, consensus-building and action-oriented forum in which participants will collaborate to develop strategies to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in California. The conference will consist of two distinct, but interrelated components: educational presentations and concurrent roundtable discussions.

The educational presentations are designed to give attendees the most current, evidence-based information on colorectal cancer. Harold P. Freeman, M.D., our keynote speaker, will present on overcoming challenges to colorectal cancer screening in primary care. In addition, there will be presentations on colorectal cancer in California and best practices for screening amongst diverse populations.

The roundtable discussions are highly interactive, with a facilitator, key discussant, and recorder for each. Roundtable discussion topics include:

1. Advocacy: How Can We Impact Colorectal Screening Policy in California?
2. Prevention: Let’s Talk About Chemoprevention, Nutrition, and Exercise.
3. Understanding the Screening Guidelines: Screening Options for All Populations – Primarily the Underserved.
4. Disparities: Bridging the Gap Between Consumers and Providers – Identifying, Understanding and Overcoming the Barriers.

Each roundtable discussion will conclude with identified goals and strategies to assist with the advancement of the California Cancer Plan objectives for colorectal cancer.

There will be ample opportunity to interact with state leaders and peers. In addition, a take-home packet of useful provider and patient educational resources will be given to each participant.

Target Audience

The target audience for California’s Dialogue for Action includes primary care providers (including family practice physicians, internists, OB-GYNs, nurse practitioners, andphysician assistants), gastroenterologists, survivors, policymakers, health plans, insurers, health advocates, and others who might influence access to screening.

Conference Goals and Objectives

The goal of California’s Dialogue for Action is to establish a new coalition for increasing colorectal cancer screening rates in California with the following objectives:

• Increase screening rates in California
• Implement strategies to increase diagnosis at an early, localized stage
• Implement strategies to reduce disparities in colorectal cancer screening diagnosis, and treatment among underserved* populations in California
• Develop legislative regulatory strategies to accomplish the goals of the California Dialogue on Cancer, California’s state cancer plan
• Develop culturally sensitive education campaigns that are designed to aid primary care providers and their patients in making screening decisions for colorectal cancer
• Implement colorectal cancer prevention strategies to decrease the number of Californians diagnosed with colorectal cancer

Conference Learning Objectives

After attending California’s Dialogue for Action, participants should be able to:

1. Identify strategies to reduce disparities in colorectal cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment among underserved* populations in California.
2. Identify strategies to increase colorectal cancer screening rates of California adults according to accepted guidelines**;
those 50 years and older as well as younger persons at increased risk, especially among underserved* populations.
3. Describe current methods and best practices of colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and early detection.
4. Understand the role of advocacy in reducing disparities in colorectal cancer screening.

Conference Registration

Conference Registration Fees are as follows:

Space is limited, so register early. To register, complete the online registration form. On-site registration will not be available. A waiting list will be established.

California’s Dialogue for Action Website

California’s Dialogue for Action website will be updated regularly with information about the conference. Please check regularly for updates and additional information.