Grant Details
Grant Number: |
3P50CA095815-07S1 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Kreuter, Matthew |
Organization: |
Washington University |
Project Title: |
Communication-Based Strategies to Eliminate Cancer Disparities |
Fiscal Year: |
2009 |
Abstract
In CECCR I, our research advanced cancer communication science by identifying effective strategies for
increasing the reach and relevance of cancer information for low-income African American populations. In
CECCR II we will explore ways to maximize the population benefit of such science by testing disparityreducing
interventions in large-scale studies conducted in real world settings within existing cancer control
systems, thus enhancing the potential for dissemination. Study 1 is the first cancer communication research
partnership with United Way 2-1-1, the nation's largest information and referral system reaching tens of
millions of Americans in poverty every year. The study will connect 2-1-1 callers with needed clinical and
preventive cancer services available for free in their community, and test the effects of cancer control
navigators and tailored communication in increasing the use of these services. Study 2 builds on our highly
successful Ozioma News Service for Black newspapers, which we have demonstrated increases the amount
and quality of cancer coverage, and affects readers' cancer information seeking and preventive behaviors. In
this extension, we partner with five divisions of the American Cancer Society (ACS) - covering 14 states and
55% of the U.S. Black population - to test our proven intervention against an enhanced version in which local
ACS staff supplement Ozioma's cancer news releases with community specific information. In study 3, we
evaluate effects of a new touch-screen, interactive cancer communication tool among African American
women being treated for breast cancer at the NCI-designated Siteman Cancer Center. The tool provides a
searchable library of hundreds of videotaped stories on coping, social support and relationships, told by
other local African American breast cancer survivors. Effects on quality of life and adherence to follow-up
care will be evaluated compared to a usual care control group of breast cancer patients. Shared resources in
Communication, Research Methods and Dissemination will support these studies, and Career Development
and Developmental Research programs will help our center develop new ideas and investigators. Research
from this CECCR will advance cancer communication science and help eliminate cancer health disparities
Publications
None. See parent grant details.