Need: Cancer is the number one killer among Hispanics. Poor diet, physical inactivity and obesity, are preventable cancer risk factors that disproportionally affect this population. In addition, Hispanics also have the lowest rate of up-to-date colorectal cancer screenings (CRCS) in the nation. Cancer prevention programs promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy bodyweight, along with access to and utilization of cancer screening services for the underserved Hispanic populations should go beyond traditional strategies. Faith-based communities present a promising setting for promoting the use of existing infrastructure for cancer prevention programs and services. Funded by CPRIT from 2014-2...

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Need: Cancer is the number one killer among Hispanics. Poor diet, physical inactivity and obesity, are preventable cancer risk factors that disproportionally affect this population. In addition, Hispanics also have the lowest rate of up-to-date colorectal cancer screenings (CRCS) in the nation. Cancer prevention programs promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy bodyweight, along with access to and utilization of cancer screening services for the underserved Hispanic populations should go beyond traditional strategies. Faith-based communities present a promising setting for promoting the use of existing infrastructure for cancer prevention programs and services. Funded by CPRIT from 2014-2017 (Grant ID PP140209), the “Building a Healthy Temple Cancer Primary Prevention Program amongst Hispanics” (BHT) built upon the evidence-based Body and Soul program’s four strategy and applied a systematic translational science framework to adapt the program into Hispanic faith-community settings. BHT focused on reducing cancer risks through promoting healthy lifestyles via evidence-based strategies for obesity and cancer prevention. Findings revealed significant improvements to church health-conducive environment/policy changes, healthy eating behaviors; the proportion of participants meeting physical activity guidelines, bodyweight and waist circumference. Program success, along with lessons learned and potential collaborations with partners in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and with current ongoing CPRIT funded projects creates the ideal environment and timeframe to expand the BHT program. As such, we are proposing to build upon and expand the success of the BHT program by (a) adapting program components based on lessons learned from previous funding, (b) improving access to and utilization of CRCS services, and (c) expanding the program to more congregations in medically underserved areas of Bexar County and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Overall Project Strategy: The proposed BHT expansion will build upon the success of the BHT program. Guided by the Socio-Ecological Model, the proposed expanded BHT will be a two-year program with multi-level intervention components including, (a) Establishment of a Health Ministry Committee; (b) Facilitation of Church Health-Conducive Environment/Policy Changes; (c) Health Sermon (d) Medical Moments; (e) Church-Wide Health Events; and (f) Improved Access to and Utilization of CRS Services along with BHT12-Month Scripture-Based Health Education And Support Group. Using a Train-the-Trainer Model, BHT will be will be implemented in 30 churches in Bexar County and the Lower Grande Valley. Specific Goals: The BHT program has three goals: 1) build faith-based community’s capacity to provide a supportive environment and opportunities healthy living; 2) promote healthy eating, active living, and healthy bodyweight and 3) increase awareness and utilization of colorectal cancer screening services. BHT is expected to reach 7,500 congregants and community members and serve at least 1,500 individuals from 5 counties (Bexar, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy). Significance and Impact: The BHT Program targets obesity-related cancer risk factors, promotes and improves CRCS service among Hispanics. The proposed BHT expansion will lead to the adoption of evidence-based comprehensive cancer prevention strategies appropriate in Hispanic faith community settings. The expansion of BHT will build upon the CPRIT funded program success and collaborate with, and capitalize on, mechanisms and infrastructure established by other CPRIT funded programs; thus closing the gap in the continuum of services. Additionally, BHT has great potential to be disseminated on a broad scale to meet community needs, impact practice and policy, and ultimately lead to the reduction in cancer risks among underserved Hispanics.

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