Getting Real About Colorectal Cancer Education (GRACCE): Pilot Evaluation of a Community-Led Education Program

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising among young adults, highlighting the need for targeted education and prevention. Community-informed approaches are often more effective and sustainable than traditional top-down health education models because they integrate community knowledge and lived experience from the outset. The [blinded], a non-profit organization, developed GRACCE (Getting Real About Colorectal Cancer Education), a peer-led, ambassador-driven education program adapted from an evidence-based curriculum to increase CRC awareness among young adults. This pilot project recruited student ambassadors from five [blinded] universities completed a three-session training and weekly coaching to deliver campus-based CRC education. Pilot evaluation included immediate post-session attendee surveys assessing behavioral intentions, perceived knowledge, and satisfaction. Six in-person and virtual sessions reached 118 attendees; 95 (77%) completed surveys. On a 1–5 scale, participants reported strong intentions to exercise more (M = 4.67), discuss screening (M = 4.63), learn family history (M = 4.65), reduce red/processed meat (M = 4.36), and reduce alcohol use (M = 4.54). Perceived knowledge gains were high for CRC, screening, and risk factors (Ms = 4.80–4.83). Satisfaction with session location, length, and content was high. This community-led, ambassador-driven model was feasible, acceptable, and associated with improved CRC knowledge and prevention intentions among young adults. GRACCE offers a scalable peer-delivered model to enhance CRC awareness and prevention among younger populations.