Center to Reduce Cancer Disparities
The Cancer Coalition's Center to Reduce Cancer Disparities is the cornerstone of our efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate cancer-related disparities in southwest Georgia. The Center examines gaps in access to healthcare and information and designs programs to improve access to cancer screening, treatment and primary care services. The Center also strives to increase awareness of cancer and of how to reduce risks for developing the disease.
The Center has four core functions:
- Delivery of culturally appropriate outreach and education. Our efforts engage community-based, healthcare and academic partners that share complementary expertise and resources committed to reducing cancer deaths among underserved audiences
- Delivery of evidence-based interventions to underserved populations to reduce cancer risks, increase cancer screening and improve patient outcomes
- Serve as a "laboratory" for disparities research in cooperation with academic partners
- Serve as an informational resource on cancer disparity for program planners, health professionals, policy makers and others.
How we accomplish these goals
The Center works through partnerships with healthcare providers, public health agencies, universities and the faith community in order to:
- Increase knowledge about local barriers to cancer care and create systems that encourage medical referrals for cancer screening
- Encourage lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risks, including avoiding tobacco products, increasing physical activity and eating low-fat diets
