Community Outreach Core

PROJECT SUMMARY Community Outreach Core Early detection through cancer screening plays a critical role in reducing the cancer burden; however, the utilization of these services remains suboptimal. For example, breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates remain in under-resourced communities. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified some pre-existing barriers. Advancing BC and CRC screening in under-resourced communities through community engagement capacity building, and evidence-based intervention remains a critical need. In addition, up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic profiles. In recent days, genetic and genomic testing for cancer risk assessment and treatment has been widely utilized clinically for early cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. However, the awareness about and participation in genetic testing remain limited due to challenges, such as language barriers, low health literacy, limited knowledge about genetic and genomic testing, and mistrust of health providers. Addressing these challenges to improve awareness and increase testing is essential. Building on the success of our first funding cycle (2018-2023), the Community Outreach Core (COC) aims to use community-engaged approach to promote cancer screenings and genetic testing in under-resourced communities. Specifically, the overall goals of the proposed COC are to: (1) engage the community in cancer outreach and sustain cancer screening programs within the communities we serve, (2) support U54 investigators and trainees on community-based cancer research through building and sustaining CBPR infrastructure; and (3) facilitate and enhance bi-directional communication between TUFCCC/HC investigators and community.