Abstract
BACKGROUND: The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a noninvasive screening tool for colorectal cancer (CRC). PURPOSE: This study evaluates a culturally tailored multilevel intervention that incorporates FIT to promote CRC screening among Vietnamese Americans aged 50 and above, a community with high CRC burden yet suboptimal screening rates. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2020, a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess a multicomponent intervention designed to increase CRC screening uptake. The intervention included a FIT self-sampling kit and targeted knowledge, access to care, and social norms. The control group received general education on cancer preventive care. RESULTS: The trial included 746 eligible participants from 20 community-based organizations, 95% of whom had limited English proficiency. At 12-month follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher rates of FIT completion (89.56% vs. 7.59%, P < .001) and any CRC testing (91.48% vs. 42.41%, P < .001) than did the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This multicomponent intervention significantly improved CRC screening rates among Vietnamese Americans, highlighting the importance of community engagement and tailored health interventions that addresses individual and community level barriers.