Breast Cancer Clinical Trial
Improving Cancer Screening and Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Underserved Populations of Rhode Island
Summary
Lifespan Cancer Institute serves over 50% of cancer patients in the state. Rhode Island is known for strong medical care and high rates of cancer screening with mammography and colonoscopy. However, cancer screening has plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic, in part to closing physician offices and stopping non-urgent medical procedures. In addition, anecdotal reports suggest the public remains concerned about returning to physician's offices and risking possible exposure to COVID-19. As in the United States as a whole, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted ethnic and minority individuals within underserved communities; and in Rhode Island, African Americans, Hispanics and undocumented individuals living in communities such as Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, East Providence and North Providence have had the highest rate of COVID-19. These communities are also impacted by healthcare disparities to access and affordability of healthcare, and as such, may be among the least likely to resume cancer screening.
The Lifespan Cancer Institute will institute a project to address health disparities in cancer screening during the pandemic through the use of a targeted campaign involving social media. The goals will be to re-establish screening in the era of COVID-19 and ensure timeliness of care for those found to be at risk, or are positive for, cancer.
Full Description
This project will focus on improving breast and colorectal cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic in underserved populations of Rhode Island. The investigators will engage the Blackstone Valley Community Health Center. Dr. Don Dizon, a national leader in social media, will be a key participant.
Dr. Don Dizon is a world expert using electronic communication and social media in the oncology practice. Dr. Dizon chairs the Digital Engagement Committee for the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) a national cancer institute cooperative group. He is a co-principal investigator of an NIH grant studying electronic patient reported outcomes - the SIMPRO Research Consortium. Dr. Dizon is also head of the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) Educational Committee and is well positioned to disseminate the knowledge gathered from the current project through ASCO activities.
The initial project may be to discuss with the Blackstone Valley Community Health Center the possibility of developing short videos in multiple languages on the importance of cancer screening. The investigators will engage staff and patients of the BVCHC and the community to participate within the videos as a model of community-based participation. These informational videos could be distributed directly to the community via social media platforms. Data will be collecting on the rates of cancer screening including age, sex and race. These data could be compared to different cities within Rhode Island and the United States
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Increased risk of either colorectal or breast cancer
Living in an under-served area of Rhode Island
Exclusion Criteria:
- None
Check Your Eligibility
Let’s see if you might be eligible for this study.
What is your age and gender ?
There is 1 Location for this study
How clear is this clinincal trial information?
Please confirm you are a US based health care provider:
Yes, I am a health care Provider No, I am not a health care providerSign Up Now.
Take Control of Your Disease Journey.
Sign up now for expert patient guides, personalized treatment options, and cutting-edge insights that can help you push for the best care plan.