Supplement: CCSG Supplement - Rural Cancer Control: University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center - Cencer Center Support Grant

Based on national surveillance data (2014), Kentucky (KY) ranks first in both cancer incidence and cancer mortality for all cancer sites combined. Kentucky’s elevated cancer rates are primarily attributable to disparities present in the 54-county region of Appalachian KY, which is recognized as one of the most rural, economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and disease-burdened areas in the nation. Appalachian KY residents carry a disproportionate burden of cancer, including malignances that are preventable and screenable such as lung, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer. In particular, Appalachian KY faces a perfect storm of rurality – 82% of the region is classified as rural as defined by 2013 USDA Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC) 4-9 – and low socioeconomic status (SES), as measured by education and income. Through this proposed P30 administrative supplement we have the opportunity to build on accomplishments and add value to MCC’s existing cancer control efforts in Appalachian KY. The overall goal of this supplement is to leverage a strong and nationally-recognized program of community outreach and engagement at the MCC and build capacity for developing, implementing, and sustaining cancer control research in collaboration with well-established clinical and community partners in rural, Appalachian Kentucky. In collaboration with the Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center, our specific aims are to: 1) build on a strong foundation of productive collaboration with rural clinics in Appalachian Kentucky and develop partnerships to conduct cancer prevention and control research; 2) develop capacity in partners for data collection and compilation, analyses, and/or integration to facilitate research; 3) collect preliminary data for research proposals and/or for pilot projects in cancer control; and 4) enhance and study implementation of programs for research in cancer prevention and control in rural clinics. The intended outcomes of the supplement include increasing rural clinic capacity to participate in and conduct cancer control research. Accomplishment of these outcomes will lead to the development of partnerships that are actively engaged in addressing cancer disparities in Appalachian Kentucky.