CPCRN WORKGROUP & INTEREST GROUP PROJECTS

CPCRN members across Collaborating Centers and affiliate institutions regularly form cross-center projects to investigate areas of shared expertise within the Network. Expand and explore the Workgroups and Interest Groups accordions below to view complete listings of the Network’s current projects, as well Inactive Projects to learn about previous Network efforts. Though discontinued, these projects may be revived if renewed interest and resources become available.

The Network's current projects are broken down into two categories: Workgroups, which are comprised of investigators from two or more Centers who collaborate on a well-defined set of deliverables to meet goals around a common theme; and Interest Groups, which are semi-permanent collaborative efforts that dissolve once work is complete, or evolve to function as permanent Network entities, and are redefined as Workgroups.

Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Interest Group

Purpose

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors face unique challenges in the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of cancer which translates into higher morbidity and mortality. These challenges include unique concerns regarding late/long-term effects and higher prevalence of certain cancer types. Our experience (and I think supported by literature) is that it is challenging to capture long-term follow up on the AYA population due to mobility/competing life demands. This creates challenges for doing studies and building an evidence base. There are newer therapies for which we don’t yet understand the full range of late/long-term toxicities. The CPCRN has demonstrated interest in cancer survivorship, with AYA being a subset and representing a small(er) proportion of cancer survivors. Having multiple sites increases power for any intervention, and we would be able to focus in on specific questions (e.g. cardiotoxicity, reproductive late effects, psychosocial). Project ideas include:

  • Gathering data on preferences/strategies for contact/follow up/recruitment in this population;
  • Observational studies or secondary database analysis to describe late/long-term effects of newer therapies (biologics), late/long-term effects for potentially understudied, and strategies to reduce cardiovascular morbidity.

For more information about the AYA Cancer Interest Group, please contact Project Chair, Dr. Linda Overholser (linda.overholser@cuanschutz.edu).

Co-chairs

Linda Overholser, Colorado School of Public Health

Members

Derek Craig, PhD, MPH
University of Texas
Tatiana Enriquez,
University of Arizona
Ciaran Fairman, PhD, CSCS, CET
University of South Carolina
Rina Fox, PhD, MPH
University of Arizona
Elizabeth Garcia, BSBM
University of Arizona
Jennifer Guida, PhD, MPH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Becky Lee, MS, PMP
UNC Coordinating Center
Clare Meernik, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Karly Murphy, PhD
Other Center
Linda Overholser, MD, MPH
Colorado School of Public Health
Malesa Pereira, MPH, CPH, CCRP
Other Center
Courtney Petagna, MPH
Emory
Priyanka Ravi, BDS, MDS
University of Arizona
Susan Sabatino, MD, MPH
CDC
Meghan Skiba, PhD, MS, MPH, RDN
University of Arizona
Emily Tonorezos, MD, MPH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Amy Tran, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Casey Walsh, PhD, MSW
University of Washington - Seattle

Organizational Readiness Interest Group

Purpose

For more information about the Organizational Readiness Interest Group, please contact Project Coordinator, Derek Craig (derek.w.craig@uth.tmc.edu).

Co-chairs

María Fernández, University of Texas

Members

Prajakta Adsul, PhD, MBBS, MPH
Other Center
Dina Alabsew, MS
University of North Carolina
Cici Bauer, PhD, MS
University of Texas
Derek Craig, PhD, MPH
University of Texas
Emanuelle Dias, MPH, CPH
University of Texas
Cam Escoffery, PhD, MPH, CHES
Emory
Paige Farris, MSW
Oregon Health & Science University
María Fernández, PhD, MA
University of Texas
Victoria Foster, MPH
New York University-CUNY
Terry Huang, PhD, MPH, MBA
New York University-CUNY
Jessica Islam, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Becky Lee, MS, PMP
UNC Coordinating Center
Jennifer Leeman, DrPH, MPH, MDiv
University of North Carolina
Karen Lutrick, PhD
University of Arizona
Sukh Makhnoon, PhD, MS
Other Center
Alexandra Morshed, PhD, MS
Emory
Linda Overholser, MD, MPH
Colorado School of Public Health
Kelly Palmer, PhD, MHS, CCRP
University of Arizona
Randy Schwartz, MSPH
Other Center
Cynthia Thomson, PhD, MS, RDN
University of Arizona
Amy Tran, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Chau Trinh-Shevrin, DrPH
New York University-CUNY
Aubrey Villalobos, DrPH, MEd
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Ha Ngan (Milkie) Vu, PhD, MA
Other Center
Stephanie Wheeler, PhD, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Lauren Workman, PhD
University of South Carolina

Social Deprivation Interest Group

Purpose

Initially conceptualized at the 2021 CPCRN Annual Meeting, the Social Deprivation Interest Group was proposed and formally established following a discussion about how an equity lens in cancer prevention and control research requires a deep understanding of the multilevel social determinants of cancer outcomes. The Interest Group is particularly interested in exploring the following determinants: influence of neighborhood deprivation on individuals’ preventive behaviors; access to healthcare services; competing demands; and cumulative psychosocial stressors, among others.

For more information about the Social Deprivation Interest Group, please contact Project Director, Julie Kranick (julie.kranick@nyulangone.org).

Co-chairs

Cici Bauer, University of Texas

Members

Prajakta Adsul, PhD, MBBS, MPH
Other Center
Natoshia Askelson, PhD, MPH
University of Iowa
Cici Bauer, PhD, MS
University of Texas
Perla Chebli, PhD, MPH
New York University-CUNY
Lori Crane, PhD, MPH
Colorado School of Public Health
Paige Farris, MSW
Oregon Health & Science University
María Fernández, PhD, MA
University of Texas
Jennifer Guida, PhD, MPH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Heidi Haines, MS
University of Iowa
James Hébert, ScD, MSPH
University of South Carolina
Rachel Hirschey, PhD, RN
University of North Carolina
Jessica Islam, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Linda Ko, PhD, MPH, MS
University of Washington - Seattle
Ariella Korn, PhD, MS, MPH
Other Center
Julie Kranick, MA, MPhil
New York University-CUNY
Becky Lee, MS, PMP
UNC Coordinating Center
Melissa Mazor, PhD, MS, RN
Other Center
Stephanie Melkonian, PhD
CDC
Alexandra Morshed, PhD, MS
Emory
Meghan O'Leary, PhD, MA
University of North Carolina
Cassie Lewis Odahowski, PhD, MPH
Other Center
April Oh, PhD, MPH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Antoinette Percy-Laurry, DrPH, MSPH
Other Center
Rogelio Robles-Morales, MD
University of Arizona
Aaron Seaman, PhD, MA
University of Iowa
Rashmi Sharma, MD, MHS
University of Washington - Seattle
Ryan Suk, PhD, MS
Emory
Tara Torres, MPsych
University of Arizona
Amy Tran, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Erika Trapl, PhD
Case Westen Reserve University
Ben Urick, PhD, PharmD
University of North Carolina
Cynthia Vinson, PhD, MPA
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Shannon Watkins, PhD
University of Iowa
Stephanie Wheeler, PhD, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Jingle Xu, MSN, MS
UNC Coordinating Center
Kate Yeager, PhD, RN, MS
Emory
Yousra Yusuf, PhD, MPH
New York University-CUNY
Whitney Zahnd, PhD
University of Iowa

Scaling What Works Interest Group (CPCRN5)

Purpose

The CPCRN Coordinating Center has received a funding supplement from the CDC to provide technical assistance (TA) to the CDC-funded National Comprehensive Cancer Control Programs (NCCCP). The focus of the TA will be on the scale-up of three successful pilot projects to additional programs. The pilot projects include:

  • Using Project ECHO and Patient Navigation to Improve the Health and Wellness of Cancer Survivors in Rural Communities (Emphasis will be placed on the scale-up of this project, as many programs have already started working on this.)
  • Addressing Risk Factors for Adult Cancers during Childhood
  • Increasing the Number of Women with Ovarian Cancer Who Are Treated by a Gynecologic Oncologist

Proposed workgroup activities include:

  1. Conducting an initial needs assessment to understand NCCC Programs’ facilitators and barriers to scaling these three projects, as well as their general TA needs.
  2. Facilitating a CPCRN-NCCCP matching program, connecting NCCC programs with CPCRN members who have expertise in relevant content areas and settings.
  3. Modifying the CPCRN Putting Public Health Evidence in Action training to include scale-up and sustainment strategies, as well as content specific to the three projects listed above.
  4. Building a community of practice consisting of NCCCP and CPCRN members that will collaborate through webinars, TA calls, and hopefully an in-person symposium.
  5. Evaluating our efforts and planning for project sustainment in the next CPCRN funding cycle.

Co-chairs

Rachel Hirschey, University of North Carolina

Members

Prajakta Adsul, PhD, MBBS, MPH
Other Center
Natoshia Askelson, PhD, MPH
University of Iowa
Lauren Bates-Fraser, MA
University of North Carolina
Alison Brenner, PhD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Becky Bucklin,
Other Center
Mary Charlton, PhD, MS
University of Iowa
Lori Crane, PhD, MPH
Colorado School of Public Health
Peter DelNero, PhD, MPH
Affiliate Member
Rosaleen Duggan Bloom,
Other Center
Andrea Dwyer, BS
Colorado School of Public Health
Cam Escoffery, PhD, MPH, CHES
Emory
Donoria Evans, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Renée Ferrari, PhD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Beverly B. Green, MD, MPH
Other Center
Peggy Hannon, PhD, MPH
University of Washington - Seattle
Rachel Hirschey, PhD, RN
University of North Carolina
Katie Jones,
Other Center
Kristin Kilbourn, PhD, MPH
Colorado School of Public Health
Jaron King, MS
University of South Carolina
Julie Kranick, MA, MPhil
New York University-CUNY
Allie LaMonica,
CDC
Becky Lee, MS, PMP
UNC Coordinating Center
Jennifer Leeman, DrPH, MPH, MDiv
University of North Carolina
Elaine H. Morrato, DrPH, MPH
Other Center
Meghan O'Leary, PhD, MA
University of North Carolina
Linda Overholser, MD, MPH
Colorado School of Public Health
Malesa Pereira, MPH, CPH, CCRP
Other Center
Courtney Petagna, MPH
Emory
Mary Puckett, PhD
CDC
Priyanka Ravi, BDS, MDS
University of Arizona
Betsy Risendal, PhD
Colorado School of Public Health
Rogelio Robles-Morales, MD
University of Arizona
Elizabeth Rohan, PhD, MSW
CDC
Susan Sabatino, MD, MPH
CDC
Jason Semprini, MPP
University of Iowa
Lisa Spees, PhD
University of North Carolina
Tara Torres, MPsych
University of Arizona
Amy Tran, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Aubrey Villalobos, DrPH, MEd
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Thuy Vu, MPH
University of Washington - Seattle
Abe Wandersman, PhD
University of South Carolina
Shixiu Wang,
CDC
Mary Wangen, MPH
University of North Carolina
Kelly Wells Sittig, CCPH
Other Center
Samantha Werts-Pelter, MPH
University of Arizona
Stephanie Wheeler, PhD, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Jingle Xu, MSN, MS
UNC Coordinating Center

Equitable Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening Interest Group

Purpose

Results of the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial have informed the development of favorable guidelines and policies to support implementation of lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT); however, uptake and maintenance of screening remain suboptimal. To maximize the individual and population health benefits of lung cancer screening, there is an urgent need for efforts to raise clinician and candidate engagement with lung cancer screening, support informed consideration of uptake, and facilitate adherence. While there has been some early attention to addressing disparities and inequity, there are a host of opportunities for developing, testing, and implementing targeted and tailored strategies to support appropriate and informed lung cancer screening in a number of underserved communities that are likely to experience higher rates of eligibility for screening due to tobacco use history. The CPCRN Equitable Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening Interest Group will consider these opportunities and work toward generating ideas and collaborations to develop an evidence base to support equity in lung cancer screening implementation.

For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Interest Group, please contact Project Directors, Mary Wangen (wange062@live.unc.edu) & Emily Bilenduke (emily.bilenduke@ucdenver.edu).

Co-chairs

Alison Brenner, University of North Carolina
Jamie Studts, Colorado School of Public Health

Members

Prajakta Adsul, PhD, MBBS, MPH
Other Center
Shacoria Anderson, MPH
Emory
Allison Antoine, MPH, CHES
Other Center
Emily Bilenduke, MA
Colorado School of Public Health
Alison Brenner, PhD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Lisa Carter-Bawa, PhD, MPH, APRN, ANP-C, FAAN
Other Center
Mary Charlton, PhD, MS
University of Iowa
Perla Chebli, PhD, MPH
New York University-CUNY
Lori Crane, PhD, MPH
Colorado School of Public Health
Natalie Del Vecchio, PhD
University of Iowa
Jan Eberth, PhD, MSPH
Other Center
Paige Farris, MSW
Oregon Health & Science University
Renée Ferrari, PhD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Sue Flocke, PhD
Oregon Health & Science University
Mayuko Ito Fukunaga, MD, MSc, FCCP
Other Center
Beverly B. Green, MD, MPH
Other Center
Heidi Hamann, PhD
University of Arizona
James Hébert, ScD, MSPH
University of South Carolina
Rachel Hirschey, PhD, RN
University of North Carolina
Richard Hoffman, MD, MPH
University of Iowa
Jessica Islam, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Christine Marie Kava, PhD, MA
CDC
Jaron King, MS
University of South Carolina
Stephanie Land, PhD
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Matthew Lee, DrPH, MPH
New York University-CUNY
Becky Lee, MS, PMP
UNC Coordinating Center
Gita Mody, MD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Megan A. Mullins, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Cassie Lewis Odahowski, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Courtney Petagna, MPH
Emory
Michael Pignone, MD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Daniel Reuland, MD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Tom Richards, MD
CDC
Betsy Risendal, PhD
Colorado School of Public Health
Susan Sabatino, MD, MPH
CDC
Aaron Scherer, PhD
University of Iowa
Randy Schwartz, MSPH
Other Center
Jackilen Shannon, PhD, MPH
Oregon Health & Science University
Krishna Sharma, PhD
CDC
Leeann Siegel, PhD, MPH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Elsa Staples, MPH
Colorado School of Public Health
Jamie Studts, PhD, MA, MS
Colorado School of Public Health
Amy Tran, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Anil Vachani,
University of Pennsylvania
Cynthia Vinson, PhD, MPA
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Mary Wangen, MPH
University of North Carolina
Randi Williams, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Whitney Zahnd, PhD
University of Iowa

PharmCPC Interest Group

Purpose

The PharmCPC workgroup emerged from PharmFIT, a collaborative project between the University of North Carolina and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, led by Drs. Alison Brenner, Stephanie Wheeler, and Parth Shah. The purpose of the PharmFIT project was to pilot test the distribution of fecal immunochemcial tests (FIT) from community pharmacies as a way to increase access to colorectal cancer screening (CRC). The PharmCPC workgroup was formed to explore the expansion of the PharmFIT model to other cancer prevention and control services, such as HPV vaccination and home testing, tobacco cessation counseling, and lung cancer screening decision making. The first aim of the PharmCPC workgroup is to conduct a scoping review of cancer prevention and control services in pharmacies. Please contact Project Director, Mary Wangen (wange062@live.unc.edu), for more information and to get involved. 

Co-chairs

Alison Brenner, University of North Carolina
Parth Shah, University of Washington - Seattle

Members

Dina Alabsew, MS
University of North Carolina
Bianca Albers, PhD, MSc, MA
Other Center
Alison Brenner, PhD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Karryn Christiansen,
Other Center
Peter DelNero, PhD, MPH
Affiliate Member
Renée Ferrari, PhD, MPH
University of North Carolina
Peggy Hannon, PhD, MPH
University of Washington - Seattle
Richard Hoffman, MD, MPH
University of Iowa
Julie Kranick, MA, MPhil
New York University-CUNY
Becky Lee, MS, PMP
UNC Coordinating Center
Purnima Madhivanan, MBBS, MPH, PhD
University of Arizona
Macary Marciniak, PharmD
University of North Carolina
Meghan O'Leary, PhD, MA
University of North Carolina
Priyanka Ravi, BDS, MDS
University of Arizona
Susan Sabatino, MD, MPH
CDC
Parth Shah, PharmD, PhD
University of Washington - Seattle
Ryan Suk, PhD, MS
Emory
Amy Tran, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Mary Wangen, MPH
University of North Carolina
Austin Waters,
University of North Carolina
Jessica Wells, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC
Emory
Stephanie Wheeler, PhD, MPH
UNC Coordinating Center
Randi Williams, PhD, MPH
Other Center
Jingle Xu, MSN, MS
UNC Coordinating Center