Principal Investigator: Daniela Friedman; Co-Principal Investigator: James Hébert; Co-Investigator: Swann A Adams; Co-Investigator: Heather Brandt; Co-Investigator: Thomas G Hurley; Project Director: James Lyndon McCracken

Funding Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network Collaborating Center)

Study Period: 9/30/14–9/29/19

This study aims to disseminate, implement and evaluate the impact of efficacious, multilevel and multi-site public health interventions to address cancer-related health disparities; engage community partners and stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally in research, training and technical assistance to broaden the evidence base and increase the impact of the cancer prevention and control D&I research in SC and translate effective interventions into practice both here and nationally; and increase participation in cancer prevention and control behaviors, such as cancer screening, physical activity and access to and consumption of healthful foods among high-risk and disparate populations.

Principal Investigator (project 4; Co-Investigator for all other projects): Jan Marie Eberth

Funding Source: Health Resource and Services Administration

Study Period: 9/1/14–8/15/15

Studies have shown that increased distance to the closest endoscopy provider is associated with lower screening utilization among Medicare enrollees. The purpose of this study is to examine urban vs. rural trends in the use of colonoscopy, and the availability of colonoscopy providers over time, in North and South Carolina using ambulatory surgery data. This study will inform workforce capacity building efforts and provide key insights into potential interventions to increase utilization of colonoscopy in rural areas. 

Principal Investigator: Jan Marie Eberth

Funding Source: South Carolina Cancer Alliance

Study Period: 7/15/14–6/15/15

The overall goals of our study fall into three main categories: (i) an investigation into current attitudes, opinions and practices regarding LDCT screening for lung cancer among primary care physicians (in particular, gaining insight into what possible barriers may exist that stand in the way of physician recommendation of such screening); (ii) dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information regarding the risks and benefits of LDCT screening to primary care physicians, patients, policymakers and stakeholders across South Carolina; and (iii) using the results of the survey to design a shared decision-making aid for physicians to use together with their patients when deciding whether to undergo LDCT screening for lung cancer. Ultimately, we aim to increase utilization of screening with the end goal of reducing lung cancer mortality and related disparities in South Carolina.

Co-Principal Investigators: Jim Burch and James Hébert

Funding Source: South Carolina Medical Endoscopy Center

Study Period: 5/1/14–4/30/15

This project will establish a biospecimen repository among patients undergoing a screening colonoscopy. The objective of this study is to identify biochemical, genetic and epigenetic biomarkers of adenomatous polyp formation that can be targeted for colon cancer prevention.

Principal Investigator: Jan Marie Eberth

Funding Source: National Institute of General Medicine Sciences, National Institutes of Health

Study Period: 9/10/13–7/31/14

The purpose of this pilot project funded by the Center for Colon Cancer Research was to establish a research data registry of patients who participated in the SC Colon Cancer Prevention Network’s Screening Program for uninsured residents.

Principal Investigator: Jan Marie Eberth

Funding Source: Susan G. Komen Lowcountry Affiliate

Study Period: 9/10/13–5/15/14

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the organizational systems and processes in place for patient tracking of mobile mammography unit clients at McLeod Regional Hospital in Florence, SC and to provide practical recommendations for quality and process improvement. Additionally, we interviewed other mobile mammography unit directors in the southeastern region to frame the context for our evaluation.

Principal Investigator: Heather Brandt

Funding Source: South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute

Study Period: 10/15/10–10/14-12

Participation in cervical cancer screening is relatively high, whereas HIV testing uptake remains low, which points to a potential opportunity for earlier intervention. Further, HIV+ women are purportedly less likely to have Pap tests as frequently as recommended despite increased risk of cervical cancer. This research is a secondary data analysis of the South Carolina (SC) Medicaid database with linkage to the SC HIV/AIDS Reporting System (HARS) database for HIV+ women to learn more about the scope of this problem in SC. The specific aims are to: 1) describe cervical cancer screening and HIV testing behaviors; 2) identify sociodemographic factors associated with these preventive health behaviors among females with unknown HIV status; 3) identify sociodemographic and HIV-related clinical factors associated with preventive health behaviors among females who are HIV-positive; 4) identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with these preventive health behaviors among females aged 40–64 years who have been diagnosed with breast and/or cervical cancer; and 5) create county-level maps using spatial epidemiology techniques to show utilization of cervical cancer screening and HIV testing health services. The research will result in evidence to support cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women to reduce AIDS-related deaths from cervical cancer and Pap testing as a potential missed opportunity to promote the uptake of HIV testing among post-reproductive age women for an earlier diagnosis of HIV infection among an interdisciplinary team of researchers.

Principal Investigator: James Hébert

Funding Source: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

Study Period: 8/18/10–6/30/12

The purpose of this study was to serve as a regional Community Network Program Institute partner to the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCP), which is a network of 21 community hospital-based cancer centers in 16 states working to support cancer research and enhance the quality of cancer care at the nation's community hospitals, as well as explore ways in which community hospitals can best support a wide range of basic, clinical and population-based cancer research, with the goals of enhancing the quality of patient care and advancing cancer research. This particular partnership’s goal was to increase cancer screening among minorities and under-served populations in South Carolina specifically.

Principal Investigator: Daniela Friedman

Funding Source: South Carolina Cancer Alliance

Study Period: 7/21/11–/29/12

Principal Investigator: Heather Brandt

Funding Source: National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health

Study Period: 6/1/10–5/31/12