Abstract 816: Implementation of a community-based multi-component cancer screening intervention supported by a cross-sector community coalition
Authors: Rechis Ruth , Aquino Mayra , Gardiner Haley , Puga Blanca , Walsh Michael T. 
Published: March 2024

It is widely agreed that screening and early detection of cancer saves lives. However, disparities exist in those who received routine screenings and variability in clinic screening protocol. Working with community-based clinics on quality improvement as well as systematically screening all eligible patients can result in increased equity in screening and thus early detection. Be Well Communities™ is MD Anderson’s place-based approach for cancer prevention and control, working with communities to promote wellness and address modifiable risk factors for cancer. The first several years of the initiative in Baytown focused on healthy eating and active living interventions for cancer prevention, over time the community’s trust and appetite increased which allowed for additional and more traditional cancer prevention interventions (e.g., human papilloma virus vaccination, screening). In this project, three evidence-based interventions for cancer screening were implemented in collaboration with Chambers Health, a local FQHC in Baytown, Texas, to work toward addressing the disparities in screening outcomes experienced by community residents. Chambers Health compliance rates have increased since the beginning of the Cancer Screening Navigation program, supported by Be Well Communities. Two full-time patient navigators are supported to facilitate increased screening through patient education, increased clinic compliance and development of standard operating procedures for navigation related operations. In addition, one full-time Outreach Coordinator is supported to engage with patients and provide education on cancer screenings. Compared to 2022, there was a 39% increase in colon cancer screening compliance rates, a 25% increase in cervical cancer screening compliance rates, and a 47% increase in breast cancer screening compliance rates. Compliance refers to any patient who is up-to-date in their cancer screenings. The Be Well Communities team supported Chambers Health through funding, technical assistance, and capacity building. They were then able to provide culturally relevant and high-quality care to enhance community capacity to address low rates of cancer screening in Baytown. Furthermore, Chambers Health has since integrated the patient navigators and Outreach Coordinator into their operational budget, a notable systems change for the organization and demonstration of commitment to the project and continued clinic quality improvement and more so dedication to the patients served.

Citation Format: Ruth Rechis, Mayra Aquino, Haley Gardiner, Blanca Puga, Michael T. Walsh. Implementation of a community-based multi-component cancer screening intervention supported by a cross-sector community coalition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 816.