Abstract OS01-02: Eliminating Cancer Health Disparities: Can It Be Done?

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cancer health disparities continue to be a vexing problem in the United States. As long ago as 1985, the then-Secretary of Health and Human Services noted that the disparities in cancer research and treatment present “an affront to the ideals and genius of American medicine.” Almost three decades letter, the disparities continue. Much has been attempted to reduce these disparities; most recently, a community-based participatory research methodology, where researchers work WITH communities, is being used to reduce disparities. In this presentation, we explore some of the challenges and successes that accompany community engagement in reducing health disparities. Two initiatives that use community-based participatory research are reviewed. Methods: In the first initiative, ongoing research with communities is described. In the second initiative, cancer prevention activities currently taking place in a predominantly Hispanic region in eastern Washington State are described. A Community Advisory Board (CAB) has been working with researchers to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Hispanics. Using a pre- post-test design, 947 participants were asked about CRC knowledge and intention to be screened. Results: Engaging the community in research activities has a positive outcome both in terms of community participation and in screening outcomes. In the CRC study, for example, odds ratios indicate that Hispanics are much less likely to be ever screened for CRC than non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Further, when given the opportunity to participate in screening, 76 percent of Hispanics given an FOBT screening kit returned the completed kit; others not receiving the kit, significantly increased their intention to be screened. Discussion: Access to care continues to be a major impediment to the Latino population in terms of cancer prevention behavior. Using community-based participatory research, it is possible to engage members of underserved communities in cancer prevention. With the advent of the Affordable Care Act and complementary interventions to enroll Latinos, it may be possible to remove one of the primary obstacles to the reduction of health disparities. Citation Format: Beti Thompson. Eliminating Cancer Health Disparities: Can It Be Done?. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr OS01-02. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-OS01-02