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. 2014 Feb;25(1 Suppl):139-50.
doi: 10.1353/hpu.2014.0069.

Reducing cancer disparities through community engagement in policy development: the role of cancer councils

Michael A Preston, Glen P Mays, Rise' D Jones, Sharla A Smith, Chara N Stewart, Ronda S Henry-Tillman

Reducing cancer disparities through community engagement in policy development: the role of cancer councils

Michael A Preston et al. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2014 Feb.

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S and a source of large racial and ethnic disparities in population health. Policy development is a powerful but sometimes overlooked public health tool for reducing cancer burden and disparities. Along with other partners in the public health system, community-based organizations such as local cancer councils can play valuable roles in developing policies that are responsive to community needs and in mobilizing resources to support policy adoption and implementation. This paper examines the current and potential roles played by local cancer councils to reduce cancer burden and disparities. Responsive public health systems require vehicles for communities to engage in policy development. Cancer councils provide promising models of engagement. Untapped opportunities exist for enhancing policy development through cancer councils, such as expanding targets of engagement to include private-sector stakeholders and expanding methods of engagement utilizing the Affordable Care Act's Prevention and Public Health Fund.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Experience in policy development discussions (n = 77).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Interaction with policy stakeholders (n = 77).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Types of methods used to inform policy discussions (n = 77).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Perceived self-efficacy in policy development (n = 77).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Perceived technical assistance needs (n = 77).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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