Abstract B046: Results from a multi-community survey demonstrating the value and impact of coalitions focused on cancer prevention for improving health outcomes

Abstract Broad implementation of interventions to address modifiable cancer risk factors could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Yet, cancer prevention programs, policies, and services are not always accessible or equitable within communities. Cross-sector community coalitions bring together partners from multiple organizations representing healthcare, education, government, and others, are central to effective community-wide intervention planning and implementation. (National Academies of Science and Medicine, 2017). While coalitions are widely used, their effectiveness to improve health outcomes over time is mixed. Be Well Communities™ is MD Anderson's place-based strategy for comprehensive cancer prevention and control, working within three communities to promote wellness and reduce modifiable risk factors for cancer. Implementation communities represent areas experiencing high rates of obesity, tobacco use, low access to care, and subsequent differences in health outcomes. Work is guided by a multisector health coalition (Steering Committee) that assesses community needs and guides action plan implementation in partnership with residents. More than 50 local, regional and state organizations are actively engaged on Be Well Communities Steering Committees. A rigorous process ensures collaboration and provides opportunities for capacity building for program delivery resulting in sustainable health outcomes. The primary measure for partnership health and engagement among Steering Committee members was the Steering Committee Survey, conducted in each community at baseline and annually thereafter. Survey responses were aggregated across communities and descriptive statistics were calculated at baseline and endline. The analysis yielded the following results. At baseline, 95% agreed that the MD Anderson team is trusted by all collaborating organizations and 96% agreed at endline. In response to this statement, “Steering Committee members support collaborating organizations to carry out program activities effectively,” 88% agreed at baseline and 91% at endline. At baseline, 84% felt that Steering Committee members and MD Anderson “are able to achieve compromise and consensus,” and 94% endorsed this at endline. At baseline, 84% indicated confidence in long term sustainability of the community collaborations and activities and 95% at endline. Research shows that health interventions supported by coalitions experience longer term success than those without coalition support. The findings hold true in the context of Be Well Communities where the Steering Committees provided the foundation for impactful work. Since 2017, across three communities, 45 evidence-based interventions have been implemented in collaboration with 28 organizations, reaching over 111,000 people improving health outcomes in physical activity, tobacco use, cancer screening, and vaccination. Further, one year post funding, 95% of interventions have been sustained. This methodology can inform efforts at other cancer centers intending to improve outcomes in their catchment area. Citation Format: Ruth Rechis, Travis Anthony, Jacqueline Dan-Jumbo, Katherine Oestman, Stephanie Nutt. Results from a multi-community survey demonstrating the value and impact of coalitions focused on cancer prevention for improving health outcomes abstract. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B046.