About the BEAT Cancer Study

Study Details

The BEAT Cancer Study is a research initiative aimed at improving colon cancer screening rates among African Americans in Douglas County, Nebraska. Our mission is to reduce racial disparities in CRC screening and promote early detection of colon cancer.

Study Details

• Full Title: Using a cross-sectoral partnership to improve prevention and health equity among African Americans (BEAT Cancer).
• IRB Protocol Number: 0115-23-EP.
• Principal Investigator: Dr. JY Kim, UNMC College of Public Health.
• Co-Investigators: Hongying Daisy Dai, PhD, Tzeyu Michaud, PhD, Keyonna King, PhD, John W. Ewing Jr., MS, and Paul Estabrooks, PhD.
• Community Partners:
  • Charles Drew Health Center
  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  • Douglas County Treasurer Office
  • Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force
  • Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
  • The Empowerment Network
• Funding: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Evidence for Action.

Study Outcomes

We aim to:

• Increase colon cancer screening rates among African Americans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different outreach strategies.
• Improve health equity in cancer prevention.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits:

• Education about colon cancer and prevention.
• Early detection can save lives.
• Non-invasive and convenient screening method.
• Screening kits provided.

Risks:

• Positive test results may require additional tests (e.g., colonoscopy).
• Some may feel uncomfortable collecting stool samples.
• Potential for false positive or false negative results.

Study Eligibility

• Age: Participants must be between 45 and 75 years old.
• Location: Must be a resident of Douglas County, Nebraska.
• Screening Status: Due for a colon cancer screening.
• Medical History: No family history or personal history of polyps or colon cancer.

For more information or to participate, visit our booth at the DMV North Omaha branch or request a FIT Kit online.