Screening and community outreach programs for priority populations: considerations for oncology managers

The goals of screening and community outreach efforts are to translate knowledge into relevant interventions to enhance health, prevent disease and manage chronic illness. Despite recent progress in the fight against cancer, a disproportionate share of the cancer burden is observed among ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations. Studies consistently link low socioeconomic status to low survival rates for nearly all types of cancer. Cultural differences, low literacy skills, language barriers and limited access to health care pose additional barriers to preventative health care for priority populations. Reaching priority populations with effective, appropriate and measurable ways to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality are key considerations for oncology managers seeking to provide comprehensive screening and community outreach care. This article addresses the importance of culture and literacy when developing screening and community outreach programs for at-risk populations, highlights the value of community partnerships to achieve programmatic goals, and outlines key considerations for creating successful breast screening and community outreach among Hispanic farmworker and rural women.