Reducing the cancer burden
At the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC), reducing the burden of cancer in Minnesota starts with making sure that the latest science reaches the people who need it most. This past year, our researchers and our Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) brought practical, evidence-based guidance to communities across Minnesota, covering topics ranging from everyday cancer prevention strategies to what new cervical cancer screening guidelines mean for patients and providers. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, we spotlighted how screening and clinical trials are advancing both prevention and treatment for one of the world’s most common, and most preventable, cancers.
The good news travelled far this year! Lung cancer screening rates rose nationwide, including right here in Minnesota, reflecting years of sustained education and access-building work. The Community Advocates Program, a joint initiative led by the COE team with support from the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network (MNCCTN), also continued to grow its impact. The program brings together Minnesotans with a deep commitment to their communities and lived experience with cancer, either personally or through a loved one.
This year, 25 Community Advocates helped bring community perspectives into research, outreach, and education across the Cancer Center. Their contributions included reviewing trial protocols and consent materials, advising MNCCTN’s education campaign, reviewing pilot grant applications, shaping outreach events, contributing to research development, and providing feedback on communications and educational resources.
Advocates receive compensation, training, and hands-on experience for their contributions, while helping strengthen connections between researchers and the communities they serve.
All of this work reflects a simple truth: Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have against cancer, and it works best when community voices help shape it. Whether we’re helping Minnesotans understand their risk, connecting communities across Greater Minnesota to lifesaving or life-extending cancer trials, or putting lived experience at the table alongside science, MCC is committed to turning knowledge into prevention, one community at a time.
Bringing colorectal cancer screening to where people are
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Yet, in some Minnesota communities, screening participation rates can be very low in some communities, with barriers including fear, cost, transportation, and uncertainty about where to start.
MCC’s Community Outreach and Engagement team partnered with the University of Minnesota Mobile Health Initiative and trusted community organizations to launch the Mobile Colorectal Cancer Community Screening Program. The program brings free at-home screening kits, no-cost follow-up colonoscopies, and personal navigation support into familiar community spaces.
Early results are encouraging. The program provided 78 screening consultations at 17 community events, kit completion rates on the higher end for underserved populations, and, among participants surveyed, 100 percent said they would participate again.
By bringing screening into communities and providing support throughout the process, the program is helping reduce barriers to colorectal cancer prevention and early detection across Minnesota.
To learn more, email [email protected].