Abstract C140: Multi-sector collaboration to deliver trustworthy and accessible cancer education and screening via hybrid community outreach media platforms: Preliminary results from the CARES program

Abstract Purpose: This study outlines the preliminary results of a strategic partnership between Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (AHWFBCCC-COE), two Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist primary care facilities ( Mobile Clinic and Downtown Health Plaza), the Department of Dermatology at WFUSM, and Nuestra Comunidad, Inc., a trusted community-based organization. Within this collaboration, organizations co-developed the Cancer Awareness, Resources, and Education for more Screenings (CARES) program. The main aims of this study were to assess the impact of CARES workshops on participants’ cancer-related knowledge and literacy. CARES utilizes the expertise of physicians and trusted community partners to improve cancer prevention awareness, increase access to screenings, and connect individuals with health resources in culturally relevant and trusted environment. Methods: The CARES program utilized a co-designed community partnership intervention approach to conduct two workshops focused on skin and colorectal cancer. Results: The CARES team has hosted two workshops (Spanish only) with a total of 106 in-person participants. Additionally, 948 individuals joined virtually via Facebook Live, and the recordings were shared 1,536 times, reaching an estimated 2,590 individuals educated by licensed physicians on skin and colorectal cancer prevention. Of the 106 in-person attendees, 66 (62%) completed both the pre- and post-surveys. In the pre-survey, 53% (N = 35) reported confusion about conflicting cancer prevention recommendations, while 65% (N = 43) acknowledged that although many cancer risk factors are known, not all cancer types are fully understood. Post-survey results indicated that 56% (N = 38) experienced a significant increase in knowledge of both cancer types and screenings. Additionally, 70% (N = 46) stated they were very likely to discuss screenings with others, and 83% (N = 55) said they were very likely to recommend the workshop. Conclusion: The CARES team’s Spanish-language workshops successfully reached a broad audience through both in-person and virtual platforms, educating an estimated 2,590 individuals on skin and colorectal cancer prevention. Future CARES workshops will continue to be promoted through trusted community-based organizations. With strong community partners, we are able to provide trustworthy information about cancer and address conflicting information about cancer and cancer risk, prevention and screening. To enhance data collection and broaden participation, the pre-and post-surveys will be adapted for online delivery, allowing for seamless integration into virtual seminar formats. This adaptation will enable the program to capture valuable feedback from remote participants and assess the impact of virtual engagement on knowledge acquisition and behavioral intentions. Findings underscore the importance of accessibility, and adaptability in public health programming, particularly when addressing complex health topics such as cancer prevention and screening. Citation Format: Maria A. Combs. Multi-sector collaboration to deliver trustworthy and accessible cancer education and screening via hybrid community outreach media platforms: Preliminary results from the CARES program 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 C140.