CPCRN WORKGROUP & INTEREST GROUP PROJECTS

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).

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

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).

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 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).