Reducing the cancer burden

At the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC), prevention starts with making sure people have the knowledge and access they need to catch cancer early, when it’s most treatable or even preventable altogether. Our 2022 strategic plan tracks this through something called “catchment engagement,” which translates to community reach: how many screenings, education events, and research opportunities we bring to Minnesotans. This year, that work grew across Minnesota. We held 113 cancer wellness education events, more than double last year’s 52. We connected 76,310 people to cancer prevention information and ran 69 free cancer screenings at community events. More importantly, 5,371 people joined non-treatment research studies—things like surveys and follow-up studies—that help us learn how to prevent and detect cancer earlier. Every event, every screening, and every conversation is another step toward our shared goal of more lifesaving cures for more people facing cancer.

From sharing practical, evidence-based strategies for lowering cancer risk, to explaining what new cervical cancer screening guidelines mean for patients and providers, and shining a spotlight on colorectal cancer during its national awareness month—reminding Minnesotans that one of the most common cancers is also one of the most preventable when found early through routine screening.

The good news is that this work is paying off! Lung cancer screening rates rose nationwide over the past year, including right here in Minnesota, reflecting years of sustained education and access-building. Our outreach teams took this awareness and built upon it, helping communities turn knowledge into action. That’s evidenced by our Community Advocates Program, a joint initiative led by the MCC Community Outreach and Engagement team with support from the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network (MNCCTN), which 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 as low as 32 percent, 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].