2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-P2.27. Everywhere Is Local: Applying Lessons from the Community to Areas across the Globe

P2.27. Everywhere Is Local: Applying Lessons from the Community to Areas across the Globe - PDF(Abstract)

Pdf Summary

This presentation discusses the importance of understanding the experiences of diverse and under-represented populations in the context of lung cancer. The focus is on the US state of Alabama, which has higher rates of smoking and lung cancer incidence/mortality, a higher African American/Black population at risk for lung cancer, and under-resourced rural areas with limited access to healthcare and broadband internet. The presentation highlights the Alabama Lung Cancer Awareness and Education (ALCASE) project, which utilized Community Health Advisors (CHAs) to raise awareness and educate on lung cancer risk and screening. The project targeted primarily rural and African American counties in Alabama, with the goal of increasing screening centers and providing transportation assistance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project faced disruptions, but still reached over 17,000 individuals and engaged 243 high-risk individuals, with 65 being screened. The project's lasting legacy includes tripled expectations in terms of quality screening centers in the region. The presentation concludes by suggesting that the strategies, partnerships, and lessons learned from this project can be applied by individuals and organizations seeking to expand their work into new regions and countries.

Asset Subtitle

Maureen Rigney

Meta Tag

Speaker Maureen Rigney

Topic Patient Advocacy

Keywords

lung cancer

Alabama

diverse populations

rural areas

healthcare access

broadband internet

ALCASE project

Community Health Advisors

COVID-19 disruptions

screening centers