2023 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting Digital Edition: Poster Gallery-A Community Based Participatory Research Pilot Project to increase Awareness of Cancer-Related Genetic Counseling and Testing through Communication Asset Mapping

Pdf Summary

This document reports on a pilot project aimed at increasing awareness of cancer-related genetic counseling and testing (CGT) in Black Immigrant (BI) and African American (AA) populations. These groups have a higher burden of cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed and die from the disease. Approximately 10% of these cancers can be explained by hereditary factors, and individuals with genetic risk factors can take steps to prevent or detect cancer earlier. However, these populations often have limited access to CGT tools.<br /><br />The pilot project involved a community workshop with 26 participants who were primarily African American women. The workshop aimed to inform a communication strategy for Lay Health Advisors (LHAs) within Faith Based Organizations (FBOs). The strategy focused on developing a Communication Asset Mapping process, where LHAs could identify community locations to disseminate CGT information.<br /><br />Preliminary findings from the workshop indicated that identified locations should have trusted ambassadors of CGT information. Participants appreciated the map and engagement process, but some locations were missing, and there was a lack of representation from community members. Limitations included unfamiliarity with pre-selected geographic areas and challenges with the online platform.<br /><br />The study aims to contribute to the dissemination strategy knowledge base about LHA adoption in community settings and ongoing research in the Greater Salt Lake City area among AA/BI populations. The results will be used to inform future innovation adoption and advance the field of implementation and dissemination research in cancer risk communication messaging strategies.<br /><br />This pilot project was supported by funding from the University of Kansas Medical Center and the Hunstman Cancer Institute. The authors acknowledge the contributions of the community and faith-based organizations that made the project possible.<br /><br />Overall, this pilot project aims to address cancer disparities and underutilization of CGT in BI and AA populations through a communication strategy implemented by LHAs in FBOs. The findings will contribute to the knowledge base in this area and inform future interventions in similar populations.

Asset Subtitle

Presenting Author - Crystal Y. Lumpkins, PhD, MA; Co-Author - Lynn Miller, DMin; Co-Author - Evelyn Cooper, RN, BSN; Co-Author - Katie Nelson, MS, CGC; Co-Author - Margaret Smith, MD; Co-Author - Rafaela Fernandez, Bachelor of Science; Co-Author - Garry Lumpkins, BS;

Meta Tag

Cancer Syndromes

Counseling

Education

Genetic Testing

Methodology

Population Genetics

Psychosocial Issues

Public Patient and Professional Education

Risk Assessment

Co-Author Lynn Miller, DMin

Co-Author Evelyn Cooper, RN, BSN

Co-Author Katie Nelson, MS, CGC

Co-Author Margaret Smith, MD

Co-Author Rafaela Fernandez, Bachelor of Science

Co-Author Garry Lumpkins, BS

Presenting Author Crystal Y. Lumpkins, PhD, MA

Keywords

cancer-related genetic counseling and testing

Black Immigrant populations

African American populations

hereditary factors

prevention of cancer

detection of cancer

Lay Health Advisors

Faith Based Organizations

communication strategy

dissemination of CGT information