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Legacy of the Pacific Islander cancer control network
Author(s) -
Hubbell F. Allan,
Luce Pat H.,
Afeaki William P.,
Cruz Lee Ann C.,
McMullin Juliet M.,
Mummert Angelina,
Pouesi June,
Reyes Maria Lourdes,
Taumoepeau Leafa Tuita,
Tu'ufuli Galeai Moali'itele,
Wenzel Lari
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.22154
Subject(s) - samoan , pacific islanders , psychological intervention , medicine , cancer prevention , cancer , tobacco control , health equity , gerontology , population , environmental health , nursing , public health , philosophy , linguistics
The groundwork for the Pacific Islander cancer control network (PICCN) began in the early 1990s with a study of the cancer control needs of American Samoans. The necessity for similar studies among other Pacific Islander populations led to the development of PICCN. The project's principal objectives were to increase cancer awareness and to enhance cancer control research among American Samoans, Tongans, and Chamorros. PICCN was organized around a steering committee and 6 community advisory boards, 2 from each of the targeted populations. Membership included community leaders, cancer control experts, and various academic and technical organizations involved with cancer control. Through this infrastructure, the investigators developed new culturally sensitive cancer education materials and distributed them in a culturally appropriate manner. They also initiated a cancer control research training program, educated Pacific Islander students in this field, and conducted pilot research projects. PICCN conducted nearly 200 cancer awareness activities in its 6 study sites and developed cancer educational materials on prostate, colorectal, lung, breast, and cervical cancer and tobacco control in the Samoan, Tongan, and Chamorro languages. PICCN trained 9 students who conducted 7 pilot research projects designed to answer important questions regarding the cancer control needs of Pacific Islanders and to inform interventions targeting those needs. The legacy of PICCN lies in its advancement of improving cancer control among Pacific Islanders and setting the stage for interventions that will help to eliminate cancer‐related health disparities. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.