A Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative Model for Engaging Members of Low-Income Black...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Disparities Research
• Community-Based Participatory Research

Background:

• Black adults face disproportionately high cancer incidence and mortality rates.
• Significant underrepresentation of Black adults, especially from low-income communities, in cancer research.
• Barriers to participation include a lack of effective community engagement strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the University of Florida (UF) Health Cancer Center Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative (CDRC) model.
• To detail the implementation of the CDRC model for sustained engagement of Black adults in cancer research.
• To address cancer disparities through community-engaged research.

Main Methods:

• The UF CDRC model utilizes human and physical infrastructure for sustained community engagement.
• Employs a culturally sensitive, community-based participatory research approach with equitable partnerships.
• Human infrastructure includes faculty, community researchers, pastors, and students. Physical infrastructure includes Black churches and a community building as research sites.

Main Results:

• Successful recruitment, training, and retention of community members and leaders as research partners.
• Development of a pipeline for culturally sensitive health equity researchers (students and faculty).
• Established community outreach and research sites within trusted community settings.

Conclusions:

• The UF CDRC model provides a novel, replicable infrastructure for engaging Black adults in cancer research.
• The model supports sustained participation in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship research.
• Aims to reduce persistent cancer disparities affecting Black communities.