DP24-004, Massachusetts Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Massachusetts Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (MCPCRN) will build on a robust partnership between the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. Over the past 5 years, the Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control Equity (ISCCCE) focused on increasing the use of evidence-based strategies for cancer screening in CHCs. We actively engaged over half of the 52 community health centers (CHCs) in MA in pilot studies and capacity-building activities, using strong engagement and co-design approaches. Our efforts focused on developing and testing implementation strategies aimed at narrowing health inequities and by advancing methods that carefully consider the low-resource, complex nature of CHCs. Our goal for MCPCRN is to transition to a broader network that supports cross-center efforts to accelerate the implementation and reach of evidence-based interventions for cancer prevention and control. We will also extend our focus from cancer screening to the most important cancer preventive target for the population served by CHCs—tobacco control. Extraordinarily high rates of smoking are observed in CHCs – 26% of adults3 versus 11% nationwide4, driving inequities in tobacco use nationally, because CHCs serve those with the least resources and highest risk, including those with substance use and mental health diagnoses. Notably, only 4% of CHC patients who smoke receive pharmacotherapy3. Thus, MCPCRN will focus on advancing cancer control equity by strengthening CHCs' capacity to deliver evidence-based tobacco treatment. We also focus on continuing to build CHC's capacity for engaging in implementation research and using their data to improve care delivery.