ASPO Abstracts
Reducing Cancer Health Disparities by Engaging Underrepresented Researchers (UR) in Cancer Research: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Region 4: A Survey on Training Priorities
Category: Cancer Health Disparities
Conference Year: 2020
Abstract Body:
Purpose: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP is
a national program funded by the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Cancer
Health Disparities (CRCHD). GMaP Region 4 is a thirteen state region utilizing a m
multipronged engagement approach to increase recruitment and retention of diverse i
investigators and to strengthen professional development. Periodic surveys are c
conducted to understands the needs and interest of our broad membership.
Methods: A REDCap survey addressing the effectiveness of this network approach open
to all 800 GMaP members and was completed (16% response rate) by primarily early
stage investigators (46.7%) and graduate/predoctoral (22.4%). Twenty-one, 44.7%, had r
received NCI CURE (Diversity Training) funding. The survey assessed the services most v
valued for their career development and interest in emerging areas of research.
Summary of Results: Respondents ranked via 5 point Likert scale the following services
as “Likely or Extremely Likely to Utilize in 1-2 years.” Pilot Funds (for feasibility data
collection to support ongoing research) – (83.7%); Travel Awards – (81.6%); Grant
Review - (79.6%); Webinars – (69.4%); and Introductions to CRCHD Program Officers in
Training Navigation - (63.3%). Pilot Awards were rated via 4 point Likert as most valuable
(44.7%) followed by Travel Awards (24%), Grant Review (16%) and Biospecimens Pilot
funds (16%). Emerging areas of research interest included Implementation Science
(81.8%) followed by mHealth (36.4%) and Precision Medicine (34.1%). Though the
majority (66.0%) had not been previously involved in research utilizing the collection of biospecimens
biospecimens from URM participants, a portion responded yes (48.9%) to interest in GMaP
GMaP funded pilot grants to access specimens for cancer research. These data further
inform and enhance specific GMaP Region 4 offerings.
Recommendations: Strategies utilized by GMaP Region 4 have resulted in over 800+
cancer focused students and researchers. A combined approach of career development
support via Expert Grant Review, Pilot Funding, Travel Scholarships, mentor and
networking opportunities, and tailored communications has been key in the development
of this network, and helped more than 100 potential diverse trainees.
Keywords: underrepresented sc scholars training emerging science