Colorectal Health Research Champions

The purpose of the Colorectal Health Research Champions program is to provide accurate and reliable colorectal health cancer information that they can share within their communities to encourage cancer prevention, screening, and early detection, as well as the importance of participating in research.

Colorectal Health Research Champion (CHRC) trainees receive 5 education sessions on colorectal cancer, clinical research, biospecimen donation, ethics, and presentation skills. The CHRCs will invite others in their social networks to present to them this educational information, following the train the trainer model of health education.

20 Colorectal Health Research Champions will be recruited from the VCU Massey Cancer Center Catchment Area (66 counties in Virginia) The Colorectal Health Research Champions will receive training in four specific areas during group educational sessions. Colorectal Health Research Champions will be asked to disseminate the four defined messages on at least two occasions to small groups in their social network in a venue of their choice (house chats, faith-based, social gatherings, family gatherings, etc.). We ask that each CHRC participant host 2 chats with 5-10 people in attendance at each chat. We expect that at least 200 participants will be invited to chats through 10 CHRCs.

Participant knowledge will be measured using pre/post questionnaires, with each correct answer being worth one point (14 total points) Higher summary scores indicate a greater change in knowledge. Intentions are measured on a 5 -point likert scale.

Increase in knowledge and intentions related to biospecimen donation and clinical trial participation.

Participant knowledge and intentions related to biospecimen donation and clinical trial participation will be measured using pre/post questionnaires, with each correct answer being worth one point (20 total points). Higher summary scores indicate a greater change in knowledge. Intentions are measured on a 5 -point likert scale.

Inclusion Criteria: the individual is > 30 years of age They are literate They are/were directly or indirectly impacted by colorectal cancer and interested in becoming a champion for colorectal cancer research. To participate in a chat hosted by the CHRC the inclusion criteria is: adult of any gender over 30 years of age. Exclusion Criteria for chat hosted by the CHRC: -Those < 30 years of age