A Tradition of Excellence: Groundbreaking Research Past and Present (continued)

Innovation in Outreach, Risk Assessment Prevention and Early Detection

The UCCRC has reinvigorated its commitment to community outreach and research in prevention, surveillance, epidemiology, health services, behavioral science, and cancer survivorship. Here are a few examples of how the UCCRC is advancing cancer control in local communities and beyond.

The Center for Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Research pursues a collaborative approach to examine population health and to evaluate and eliminate group differences in health. In the first five years, the Center is focusing on understanding population differences in the incidence of and genetic and environmental factors that contribute to breast cancer in Caucasians, women of African descent living in America and women native to Nigeria.

The Cancer Risk Clinic is a diagnostic and preventive care program. Teams of experts (physicians, social workers, nurses and genetic counselors) work closely with patients and their families assessing risk and developing strategies for prevention.

Rick Kittles, PhD, is the UCCRC's Associate Director for Diversity and Community Outreach. He is strengthening our links with the community and educating the public about cancer genetics and prevention. Dr. Kittles established the Community Engagement Centering on Solutions (CECOS) program, which is a comprehensive effort to enhance public awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, and control. CECOS is developing collaborative partnerships with the community and its leaders to promote healthier neighborhoods, provide for sustained engagement with Chicago's South Side, and to communicate the benefits of participation in basic cancer research and clinical trials.

Habibul Ahsan, MD, MMedSc, leads the Center for Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention. As the UCCRC’s Associate Director for Population Research, he is integrating the expertise, experience, and creativity of the University’s talented clinicians, biologists, chemists, geneticists, and social scientists in a multifaceted, research program.

The Cancer Resource Center is staffed by a trained social worker and an administrator who help patients and their families:

    Access comprehensive cancer information, including facts about specific types of cancer, treatment information and pain management,

    Obtain information about innovative cancer research trials and how to participate in them,

    Connect with community resources that supply housekeeping, home healthcare, child care, medical equipment, and other support services, and

    Join support groups designed to serve their emotional and informational needs.