IMPLEMENTING HOME-BASED CANCER PREVENTION AND SCREENING: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EQUITY

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cancer Prevention
• Health Equity

Background:

• Cancer is a major cause of death in the US, with notable racial and ethnic disparities.
• Implementing evidence-based cancer screening and prevention programs equitably remains a significant challenge.
• Existing clinical preventive services often face implementation gaps and inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of an equitable, evidence-based cancer screening program in Central Texas.
• To propose this program as a model for other regions and conditions with similar implementation challenges.
• To address inequities in cancer screening and prevention.

Main Methods:

• Program established within Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).
• Combined proactive outreach and opportunistic in-reach strategies.
• Employed bilingual, bicultural social work-trained patient navigators for abnormal screening follow-up.
• Utilized virtual multi-disciplinary conferences for complex diagnostic and management decisions.
• Engaged in advocacy to enhance the entire screening and treatment process.

Main Results:

• Development of a comprehensive, equitable cancer screening program.
• Successful integration of patient navigators and multidisciplinary virtual conferences.
• Initiation of advocacy efforts to improve the screening continuum.
• Potential for replication in diverse settings and for other preventive services.

Conclusions:

• Equitable cancer screening programs can be developed and implemented through strategic partnerships and tailored support.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are key sites for delivering equitable preventive services.
• A multi-faceted approach including outreach, navigation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy is crucial for success.