Readers’ Theatre: A Communication Tool for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality for Alaska Native people, yet it can be almost totally prevented through colonoscopy screenings. Purpose: A 25-minute Readers’ Theatre script was developed with and for Alaska Native and American Indian Community Health Workers (CHWs) and the people in their communities to provide CRC screening information, model ways to talk about CRC screening, increase comfort with talking about CRC, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Methods: Grounded in Indigenous methodologies, this paper describes the collaborative development, implementation, and evaluation of a CRC Readers’ Theatre. Results: 94% (161/172) of participants from 11 Readers’ Theatre completed a written evaluation. 90% (145) of participants reported feeling more comfortable talking about CRC and 77% (124) described healthy changes they planned to make. Readers’ Theatre was associated with increased knowledge, comfort talking about CRC, and served as a catalyst for positive intent to change behavior.