Abstract

Purpose

Community health needs assessments are required for most state and local public health agencies and non-profit hospitals. Typically based on community health improvement planning models, these assessments encompass overall com- munity health and multiple diseases to inform program planning. National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Centers and community-based cancer-focused programs share the goal of reducing cancer burden in the catchment areas they serve. However, to date, no published models exist to guide cancer-specific needs assessments for a determined geographic area that can inform both public health and research initiatives. The purpose of this article is to outline a cancer needs assess- ment (CNA) framework and community-engaged, mixed-methods process, along with a case study of how we applied it in Kentucky.

Methods

We convened a steering committee of key organizational partners to provide input throughout the process. We developed a conceptual framework of multi-level determinants affecting cancer-related outcomes. We incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data gathered through a variety of means, including a novel application of group concept map- ping to guide definition of priorities.

Results

The resulting CNA has helped guide strategic planning and priorities for Kentucky’s Cancer Action Plan, Markey Cancer Center, state agencies, and community-based organizations.

Conclusion

This framework and process can be used collaboratively by cancer center Community Outreach and Engage- ment offices, public health agencies, oncology programs, and community partners to plan impactful cancer control programs and research in their catchment areas. Universities can also use them to inform the planning of community engagement and health equity research efforts.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-29-2024

Notes/Citation Information

© The Author(s) 2024

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-024-01892-2

Funding Information

This work as supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Grant Numbers P30CA177558 and UL1TR001998), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Grant Numbers NU58DP006313-04-02, NU58DP007144-01-00, NU58DP006058-05-00), and the William Stamps Farish Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH or CDC. We wish to acknowledge the valuable input of the members of the Kentucky Cancer Needs Assessment Steering Com- mittee, some of whom contributed to this article as co-authors, along with the additional members who represented Kentucky Cancer Reg- istry (Jaclyn McDowell), Kentucky Cancer Program (Elizabeth West- brook, Jamie Smith), Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Janie Cambron, Vivian Lasley-Bibbs, Emily Messerli, Carissa Adams, Carrie Conia, Elizabeth Owen), American Cancer Society (Elizabeth Holtsclaw, Julie Waters), Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (Allison Adams), and the University of Louisville (Stephanie Boone). We also wish to thank Dr. Eric Durbin, Director of the Kentucky Cancer Reg- istry for his feedback and support of this effort.

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