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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among residents of Appalachia Ohio who were average-risk for CRC prior to the implementation of a mass media campaign to improve CRC screening in this population which experiences increased CRC incidence and mortality rates.

Methods: A commercial list of Ohio Appalachia residents 50+ years of age was obtained for the 12 counties. Residents from each county were randomly selected and sent a letter of invitation to complete a telephone survey. Participants were called, consented, and interviewed. A medical record release form was requested to confirm self-report of CRC screening. Rate of within CRC screening guidelines was considered for any of the following: fecal occult blood test within the last year, flexible sigmoidoscopy within the last five years, or colonoscopy within the last ten years. The odds …