In Philadelphia, a city renowned for its prominent cancer care centers, a significant issue remains: many patients struggle to access preventative care and timely treatment.
According to research from Drexel University, cancer incidence and mortality rates are alarmingly high in specific neighborhoods such as Strawberry Mansion, Nicetown-Tioga, and Lower Kensington.
These areas are characterized by higher poverty levels and prevalent cancer risk factors, including obesity, smoking, poor diet, and alcohol consumption.
In light of these challenges, researchers and members of the Philadelphia Communities Conquering Cancer coalition, or PC3, are striving to enhance cancer care communication and coordination.
This coalition, consisting of experts from the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center, Temple University’s Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, is dedicated to forging new partnerships with community organizations and trusted local figures.
Charnita Zeigler-Johnson, an epidemiologist and associate director for community outreach and engagement at Fox Chase Cancer Center, emphasized the importance of education in combating cancer disparities.
“There’s so many people who just don’t have the education about cancer … or just need to hear it from a survivor or need to hear it from someone else that they trust,” Zeigler-Johnson stated.
Providing accessible information and resources could significantly impact the lives of many individuals in underserved communities.
Cancer stands as the second-leading cause of death in Philadelphia, following heart disease, with a recorded 2,700 cancer-related deaths in 2021, according to city reports.
Lung cancer remains the most prevalent type, responsible for about one in five cancer fatalities in the city.
Other common forms of cancer include colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer.
The PC3 coalition is focusing on various strategies that could be implemented to serve underserved populations better.
Part of their initiative includes collaboration with community organizations—essentially the “boots on the ground”—to deliver resources and information directly to the neighborhoods most affected.
Amy Leader, associate director for community outreach and engagement at Jefferson Health’s Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, emphasized the necessity of gathering input from community members to identify healthcare needs and gaps in care.
“The community members are very interested in cancer prevention,” Leader remarked.
She added that individuals often inquire about ways to maintain their health, access cancer screenings, and implement preventative measures against cancer.
In addressing barriers to care, the coalition is actively working with organizations to tackle issues like transportation challenges, lack of insurance, and time constraints that prevent individuals from attending medical appointments or screenings.
Additionally, the coalition aims to partner with organizations to educate and train outreach workers and community residents, encouraging them to engage with cancer research.
Zeigler-Johnson pointed out that participation does not always necessitate enrolling in clinical trials or medical testing.
“There are other ways that community members can really get engaged with the research process, such as reviewing research, evaluating it, or helping us determine funding priorities,” she explained.
Founded in 2021 with financial support from the nonprofit Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, the Philly coalition is hosting its second citywide cancer disparities conference this month.
Furthermore, new grants will soon be distributed to relevant community organizations and institutions.
“Everybody’s been touched by cancer,” Zeigler-Johnson remarked, highlighting the collective experiences many share.
Through collaboration and open dialogue, the coalition endeavors to foster a supportive network, aiming to make a meaningful difference in cancer care and prevention in Philadelphia.
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