Community Outreach & Engagement

Cancer affects people and communities in different ways. In Michigan and across the country, many patients, families, clinicians, and researchers face shared challenges. This includes managing complicated care, easing the burden of treatment, connecting people to support services, and helping more people take part in research studies and clinical trials. Some groups also face extra, preventable barriers that can affect cancer risk, how quickly cancer is found, the treatment options available, and outcomes. COE works with communities to listen, learn, and co-create practical solutions that fit real-life needs, so advances in cancer treatment and risk reduction reach more people.

Historically, many communities have been underrepresented in cancer research and intervention development. When research does not reflect the full range of experiences, cancer treatments and risk reduction strategies may be less effective or harder to implement broadly. Research that is accessible and shaped by real-world needs, preferences, and constraints can reveal barriers that keep many people from taking part or staying engaged. These barriers can include lack of awareness of clinical trials, eligibility rules, time and travel demands, and distrust. Finding these barriers can help us figure out realistic ways to help more people take part and get better results.

COE collaborates with research teams, individuals, and communities to co-develop new models of cancer care, enhance current practices, and champion innovative approaches to treatment, risk reduction, and outreach. By centering these partnerships, we make our efforts more relevant and effective for all Michigan communities. To advance our mission, COE has established clear objectives:

• Prioritizing Local Context and Experience: We integrate diverse lived experiences throughout the research process to ensure that new interventions and studies are meaningful and applicable to Michigan’s varied communities.
• Co-Creation and Dissemination: Together with our partners, we create and share evidence-based resources designed to improve cancer risk reduction, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
• Raising Awareness: We actively highlight cancer-related community-specific needs and health disparities, expanding understanding and inspiring action to improve care.
• Mentorship and Education: We support students, trainees, and emerging researchers and clinicians in cancer science, social risk factors, and community-engaged methodologies.
• Continuous Evaluation: We regularly assess our impact and refine strategies to foster best practices in public engagement and cancer outreach.