About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

In 2010 over 40,000 individuals in the United States were diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Members of the inner city are known to have a poor prognosis for this disease. African American patients are twice as likely to die of disease and those who are uninsured or who have Medicaid funding are three times as likely to die of disease.

Traditional broad based methods of screening and early detection of these cancers have been ineffective. These programs are typically University based in which annually members of the inner city would be offered limited screening. Barriers such as difficulty with transportation, child care, and access are inherent in this approach. An inherent mistrust by members of the inner city to the health care system compounded the challenges with this approach.

In 2010, we developed Healing Hands Across the Divide - a novel faith and community based organization who approached improving early detection of cancer through the development of a trusting relationship. Our platform involves church or community leaders inviting health care providers to perform cancer awareness and screening in church or community based events in the inner city.

Fear is decreased by making these cancer screenings health events. We provide healthy snacks and have neighborhood Jazz bands or singing groups to provide a back drop for the screenings. As guests, we are not only able to identify high risk patients, but were able to ask people to identify their health care barriers. High risk patients are directed to a cancer screening clinic for early detection and diagnosis. Our goals are not only to save lives, but also to develop the trust that will allow us to gain insight into barriers for care of members of the inner city.

To date, we have screened over 300 patients and have had two articles published demonstrating the value of this approach. Our goal is to screen an additional 700 patients over the next year.

What is the significance of this project?

As access to health care is expanded through the Affordable Care Act, there will be many challenges in terms of health care delivery to the underserved. Novel approaches will be needed to meet the needs of populations who were historically disenfranchised from the health care system. We believe that our novel approach will help us to prove cancer outcomes for those in greatest need.

What are the goals of the project?

Through this project we will continue the mission of Healing Hands Across the Divide - early detection of head and neck cancer in the inner city of New Orleans. We will not only continue to provide educational events and screenings, but will also continue to build the trust and communication between health care providers and members of the inner city.