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Exploring the Role of Communication Asset Mapping (CAM) as a Strategy to Promote Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment Information Within African American Communities

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  • Crystal Y. Lumpkins

    (Department of Communication, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA)

  • Kimberly A. Kaphingst

    (Department of Communication, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA)

  • Lynn R. Miller

    (Faith Works Connecting for a Healthy Community, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA)

  • Evelyn Cooper

    (Faith Works Connecting for a Healthy Community, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA)

  • Margaret Smith

    (Department of Family and Community Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA)

  • Katie Belshe

    (Department of Cancer Navigation and Intake, The University of Kansas Health System Westwood, Westwood, KS 66205, USA)

  • Garry Lumpkins

    (Faith Works Connecting for a Healthy Community, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA)

  • Jill Peltzer

    (School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA)

  • Prajakta Adsul

    (Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA)

  • Ricardo Wray

    (Department of Behavioral Science and Health Equity, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA)

Abstract

Objective : African Americans (AAs) carry the largest burden for almost every type of cancer in the US and are also more likely to die from cancer. Approximately 10% of cancers can be explained by a hereditary factor and detected earlier. Many AAs, however, have inequitable access to hereditary cancer risk assessment (HCRA) tools and information, further exacerbating disparities in cancer rates. Innovative communication strategies to promote community-based HCRA information have promise as a means encouraging optimal primary cancer screening among AAs. The current pilot study followed a participatory process where researchers engaged with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to explore how Communication Asset Mapping (CAM) could assist lay health advisors with the dissemination of evidence-based HC/RA information within AA faith communities. Methods : The research team and CAB conducted exploratory community-engaged group discussions with residents (n = 21) guided by Communication Infrastructure Theory, and used a community-engaged mapping process to inform the development of a CAM dissemination strategy. Results : Through textual analysis, the following conclusions were reached: (1) optimal locations (e.g., community centers) within specified neighborhood networks should have representatives who are trusted ambassadors to assist with HCRA information dissemination; (2) trusted community member voices should fully represent the neighborhood network in the community-engagement mapping process; (3) well-known and frequented geographic locations should provide a true representation of participants’ neighborhoods to create a robust health information network concerning HCRA. Conclusions : Community residents appreciated the engagement process; however, they felt that its impact was limited due to the lack of community voices within their neighborhoods to identify important communication resources within the network for optimal HCRA information dissemination. CAM, therefore, is an important public health strategy for the identification of trusted networks and useful communication resources within these networks. The strategy was also helpful in pinpointing people who could be critical communicators of emerging health information akin to HCRA.

Suggested Citation

  • Crystal Y. Lumpkins & Kimberly A. Kaphingst & Lynn R. Miller & Evelyn Cooper & Margaret Smith & Katie Belshe & Garry Lumpkins & Jill Peltzer & Prajakta Adsul & Ricardo Wray, 2025. "Exploring the Role of Communication Asset Mapping (CAM) as a Strategy to Promote Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment Information Within African American Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(1), pages 1-15, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:1:p:75-:d:1562821
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