1
|
Pohl SA, Nelson BA, Patwary TR, Amanuel S, Benz EJ, Lathan CS. Evolution of community outreach and engagement at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers, an evolving journey. CA Cancer J Clin 2024. [PMID: 38703384 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer mortality rates have declined during the last 28 years, but that process is not equitably shared. Disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and gender identity, and geographic location persist across the cancer care continuum. Consequently, community outreach and engagement (COE) efforts within National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center (NCI-DCC) catchment areas have intensified during the last 10 years as has the emphasis on COE and catchment areas in NCI's Cancer Center Support Grant applications. This review article attempts to provide a historic perspective of COE within NCI-DCCs. Improving COE has long been an important initiative for the NCI, but it was not until 2012 and 2016 that NCI-DCCs were required to define their catchment areas rigorously and to provide specific descriptions of COE interventions, respectively. NCI-DCCs had previously lacked adequate focus on the inclusion of historically marginalized patients in cancer innovation efforts. Integrating COE efforts throughout the research and operational aspects of the cancer centers, at both the patient and community levels, will expand the footprint of COE efforts within NCI-DCCs. Achieving this change requires sustained commitment by the centers to adjust their activities and improve access and outcomes for historically marginalized communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Pohl
- Division of Population Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Barry A Nelson
- Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Faith Based Cancer Disparities Network, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tanjeena R Patwary
- Division of Population Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Salina Amanuel
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Edward J Benz
- Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher S Lathan
- Division of Population Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Colditz GA, Drake BF, Eberlein TJ. Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center: Cancer Prevention Perspective. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2023; 16:541-544. [PMID: 37779458 PMCID: PMC10543981 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-23-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
We summarize Siteman Cancer Center catchment that covers 82 counties in southern Illinois and eastern Missouri. We note both the high poverty and cancer rates in many rural counties. Siteman Community Outreach and Engagement has developed a number of strategies to move towards achieving health equity. These include NCI-funded research projects in rural clinics and outreach to improve access to cancer prevention services. To increase capacity for community-engaged research, we have developed and refined a Community Research Fellows Training Program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham A. Colditz
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Bettina F. Drake
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Timothy J. Eberlein
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nayyar S, Chakole S, Taksande AB, Prasad R, Munjewar PK, Wanjari MB. From Awareness to Action: A Review of Efforts to Reduce Disparities in Breast Cancer Screening. Cureus 2023; 15:e40674. [PMID: 37485176 PMCID: PMC10359048 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a significant public health concern, and addressing disparities in breast cancer screening is crucial for improving early detection and reducing mortality rates. This review article examines efforts to bridge the gap between awareness and action in reducing disparities in breast cancer screening. A systematic approach was employed to gather relevant literature using various databases. The selected studies encompassed a range of interventions, including policy changes, community-based programs, culturally competent interventions, technological advancements, and patient navigation. The review highlights the importance of policies and legislation in improving access to screening services and the impact of community-based initiatives in addressing disparities. Culturally competent interventions, tailored messaging, and language support were found to be effective in improving screening rates among diverse populations. Technological advancements, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, were identified as promising approaches to increase access to screening services. Patient navigation programs effectively addressed barriers to screening and improved screening rates. The review also discusses evaluating efforts, limitations, and the need for continuous improvement. Future directions and recommendations include addressing gaps in the existing literature, proposing research directions, and providing recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. By implementing these recommendations and working collaboratively, we can strive for equitable access to breast cancer screening for all populations, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and reduced disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiven Nayyar
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Swarupa Chakole
- Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Avinash B Taksande
- Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Roshan Prasad
- Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Pratiksha K Munjewar
- Medical-Surgical Nursing, Srimati Radhikabai Meghe Memorial College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Mayur B Wanjari
- Research and Development, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zahnd WE, Hung P, Shi SK, Zgodic A, Merrell MA, Crouch EL, Probst JC, Eberth JM. Availability of hospital-based cancer services before and after rural hospital closure, 2008-2017. J Rural Health 2023; 39:416-425. [PMID: 36128753 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rural populations have less access to cancer care services and experience higher cancer mortality rates than their urban counterparts, which may be exacerbated by hospital closures. Our objective was to examine the impact of hospital closures on access to cancer-relevant hospital services across hospital service areas (HSAs). METHODS We used American Hospital Association survey data from 2008 to 2017 to examine the change in access to cancer-related screening and treatment services across rural HSAs that sustained hospitals over time, experienced any closures, or had all hospitals close. We performed a longitudinal analysis to assess the association between hospital closure occurrence and maintenance or loss of cancer-related service lines accounting for hospital and HSA-level characteristics. Maps were also developed to display changes in the availability of services across HSAs. RESULTS Of the 2,014 rural HSAs, 3.8% experienced at least 1 hospital closure during the study period, most occurring in the South. Among HSAs that experienced hospital closure, the loss of surgery services lines was most common, while hospital closures did not affect the availability of overall oncology and radiation services. Screening services either were stable (mammography) or increased (endoscopy) in areas with no closures. DISCUSSION Rural areas persistently experience less access to cancer treatment services, which has been exacerbated by hospital closures. Lack of Medicaid expansion in many Southern states and other policy impacts on hospital financial viability may play a role in this. Future research should explore the impact of closures on cancer treatment receipt and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney E Zahnd
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sylvia Kewei Shi
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anja Zgodic
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Melinda A Merrell
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Crouch
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Janice C Probst
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|