Community Network for Cancer Prevention
The Community Network for Cancer Prevention (CNCP) was launched in 2010 by the Office of Outreach and Health Disparities at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center with funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The goal was to strengthen colorectal and cervical cancer prevention and control services for the medically underserved residents of Harris County. Over the years, additional support from CPRIT has allowed us to expand our efforts to include breast cancer prevention, improve HPV vaccination rates, and reduce tobacco use among the youth.
The CNCP is a network comprising several institutions within the Texas Medical Center and various community-based organizations throughout the greater Houston area and surrounding counties that are engaged in various programmatic grant-funded projects.
Community and Patient Advisory Board
As the activities of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center evolved into broader community engagement activities beyond the targeted programmatic grant-funded programs, the existing Community Advisory Board (CAB) and Patient and Caregiver Advisory Boards (PCAB) were established. Since its formation, the initial CAB has grown to include 13 members representing African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino faith-based organizations and stakeholders from our catchment area. Our current CAB includes representatives from the Mexican Consulate, Familias Inmigrantes y Familias en la Lucha, Ventanilla de Salud, MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Bullard Center Environmental and Climate Justice, El Centro Corazon, Light and Salt Association, Fight Colon Cancer, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Southern University, and Fallbrook Church Cancer Ministry. In 2023, we established the Patient and Caregiver Advisory Board (PCAB), composed of individuals with direct cancer experience, including survivors and caregivers. Our PCAB includes 13 members who are caregivers or survivors of various cancer types, including head and neck, colon cancer, blood, and prostate cancers. Three of our CAB members also serve on the PCAB. Given our unique capacity to provide cancer cell and gene therapies through DLDCCC programs, the PCAB also includes members who have received these therapies.
The CAB/PCAB board reflects a broad range of ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and levels of health literacy in our catchment area. In collaboration with our CAB/PCAB, we hold quarterly meetings and employ a community-based participatory research approach to monitor emerging cancer-related needs. This approach ensures a bidirectional knowledge exchange between community members and researchers at the Duncan Cancer Center. If you or your organization is interested in participating in our CAB/PCAB, please contact us at dldccc-coe@bcm.edu.
Other Collaborating Partners
American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. The local ACS affiliate is a longtime collaborator with the Office of Outreach and Health Disparities and Community Outreach and Engagement program. ACS is the primary resource for cancer information and cancer screening guidelines that we provide to the community.
Harris Health is the public safety net health system for Harris County and the third largest safety net healthcare system in the U.S. that provides access to cost-effective, quality healthcare delivered compassionately to all residents of Harris County, regardless of their ability to pay. Harris Health serves as the primary clinical partner for the comprehensive Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Screening project funded by CPRIT.
San José Clinic offers quality healthcare and education to individuals with limited access to such services in the Greater Houston and Fort Bend County areas and directly contributes to cancer screening clinical services for the Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Screening project funded by CPRIT.
Texas Children's Hospital is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout our community by leading in patient care, education, and research. This partnership is strengthened by the collaboration with TCH-affiliated faculty and the contributions of CAB/PCAB members connected to the hospital.
TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries is a Christian ministry that provides quality health care, offers hope, and restores dignity to uninsured, low-income families and individuals in the Tri-County region. Tomagwa directly contributes to cancer screening clinical services for the Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Screening project funded by CPRIT.
Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest, established comprehensive human services organizations with 15,000 mission-driven professionals, dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. In collaboration with their Volunteers of America Texas Vocational Opportunity and Training Services (VOTS) Program, participants with disabilities assist with assembling colorectal cancer screening materials that Harris Health clinics provide to the community. A partner since 2022, over 100,000 screening materials have been provided to the community with the help of VOTS Program participants.
For more information, call us at (713) 798-6643 or e-mail us at dldccc-coe@bcm.edu.
