Even though there are screening tests for colon and cervical cancer, many people are still not getting screened. Minority groups, patients with no health insurance, and those with low incomes are at the highest risk of not being screened. We will develop a network of partners including: 1) Baylor College of Medicine (Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Department of Family and Community Medicine, and Physician Assistant Program); 2) University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; 3) Harris County Hospital District (HCHD) Community Health Program, which includes the community health clinics (CHCs); 4) two public hospitals; and 5) other community organizations, including the American Cancer Society, H...

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Even though there are screening tests for colon and cervical cancer, many people are still not getting screened. Minority groups, patients with no health insurance, and those with low incomes are at the highest risk of not being screened. We will develop a network of partners including: 1) Baylor College of Medicine (Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Department of Family and Community Medicine, and Physician Assistant Program); 2) University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; 3) Harris County Hospital District (HCHD) Community Health Program, which includes the community health clinics (CHCs); 4) two public hospitals; and 5) other community organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Hope Through Grace, and Hope Clinic.

This network will build a system that will improve cervical and colon cancer prevention and control services for those without insurance and others who do not get health care on a regular basis. It will also increase public discussion about differences in access to health care for cancer in certain communities. The goals of the project are to: 1) offer colon and cervical cancer prevention education to residents of Harris County who are at high risk for cancer or are not getting care; 2) increase outreach and education so that patients who are able to receive services at HCHD know that they can get colon and cervical cancer prevention services at HCHD CHC clinics; 3) design and put into action a patient referral and follow-up system at HCHD clinics to monitor abnormal colon and cervical cancer screening results and; 4) monitor the system to make sure that it is working properly. The long-term goal is to reduce the number of deaths from colon and cervical cancer in the areas of Harris County where the people are getting the least health care.

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