Evaluating the impact of the CHANGE initiative on cancer screening referral and uptake in underserved communities in Georgia.

[OBJECTIVE] To examine whether participation in The Cancer Health Awareness through Screening and Education (CHANGE) initiative was associated with higher referral follow-up rates and increased screening uptake for breast cancer (BrCa), prostate cancer (PrCa), and colorectal cancer (CRC) in underserved communities in Georgia.

[METHODS] The CHANGE initiative, a community-based research program, was carried out in Richmond County, Georgia from June 2022 through April 2024, targeting underserved communities through Augusta Housing Authority. Eligible adults were referred to BrCa, PrCa, and CRC screenings. Key outcomes included referral status and screening completion at six months. Descriptive statistics were used.

[RESULTS] Of the 110 total CHANGE participants, those who attended at least 75% of sessions had significantly higher referral rates (91.7%,  = 0.01) than those with lower attendance. Among participants eligible for cancer screening-21 for breast, 14 for prostate, and 30 for colorectal-participants with higher attendance showed greater screening completion at six months: 84.6% for BrCa, and 100% for both PrCa and CRC.

[CONCLUSIONS] Participation in the CHANGE initiative was associated with higher referral rates and increased follow-up screenings for BrCa, PrCa, and CRC, underscoring its potential to enhance cancer awareness and promote screening equity in underserved communities.