Building a community-academic partnership for breast cancer prevention, research, and outreach

Collaboration between academic institutions and communities is increasingly important in cancer control and efforts to address cancer disparities in the United States. The Center for Cancer Prevention, Research and Outreach (CCPRO), formed by the Saint Louis University Cancer Center (SLUCC) and College for Public Health and Social Justice, is a joint venture created to empower underserved populations in Saint Louis, Missouri to address critical information and access issues related to cancer prevention and the reduction of cancer disparities. An ongoing community-academic partnership exists with The Breakfast Club, Inc. (BCI), a community-based survivor-run breast cancer support and advocacy organization. We have leveraged the values, relationships and outreach expertise of community members and the resources and methodological expertise of academicians to develop, implement and evaluate strategic community health activities that address key points along the cancer control continuum. For example, CCPRO and BCI have developed and implemented a free mammography screening program to improve access to screening for underserved African American women. This program utilizes BCI’s relationships with local churches to recruit women for screening and educate them on breast health. CCPRO transports these women to and from the SLUCC where they receive screenings. Such programs serve as a springboard for collaborative research opportunities, addressing questions put forth by community partners and examining issues related to breast cancer treatment and survivorship. These continued efforts to reduce the breast cancer burden experienced by the St. Louis community foster positive community-academic interactions that engage communities as public health leaders, build trust and address disparities.