The Penn State Cancer Institute Community Health Worker’s are ready to ROAR against Cancer!
Penn State Community Health Workers (CHW) are members of the community who are passionate about reducing cancer risk and improving cancer outcomes through peer-based education, support and research in community clinical settings in central Pennsylvania.
CHWs provide cancer education in one-on-one and group settings, offer support and guidance for cancer survivors and caregivers, and advocate for evidence-based practices, policies, and programs.
The CHW is trained to use evidenced-based materials and resources from education, support and research. They are a member of a CHW team that builds strong relationships between community and healthcare providers.
Mission & Vision
Our MISSION is to develop a systematic, community-based approach to healthier living in central Pennsylvania by improving physical activity and nutrition and increasing cancer screenings including breast, cervical and colon cancer. Organize a team of individuals committed to being an active Community Health Workers.
Our VISION for the Cancer Community Health Workers Program is recognized as the primary network for peer-based education, support and research that reduces cancer risk and improves outcomes in central Pennsylvania.
Community Health Workers in Action:
Photo Credit: instedd.org (Innovative Support for Emergencies, Disease, and Disasters)
Treatment of breast cancer at an early stage reduces the risk of death from breast cancer. However, the percentage of women with breast cancer that is detected at an early stage is relatively low among medically underserved populations such as those who are of a racial/ethnic minority or reside in a rural community.
To increase the likelihood that cancer is detected at an early stage, women at average risk are recommended to have regular clinical breast exams and mammography. However, cancer screening options, especially newer digital mammography, is not accessible for all women because of patient (e.g., financial; fear) or system barriers (e.g., local availability of services).
To overcome these barriers, the Community Guide for Preventive Services(1) found evidence in the scientific literature to recommend one-on-one education and group education as methods to overcome these barriers. Specifically, the Community Guide recommends CHWs (also known as lay health advisors and promotoras) as a mode for delivery of one-on-one or group education. Importantly, the recommendation for CHWs to overcome these barriers is not limited to screening for breast cancer, but also includes screening for other cancers and reducing cancer risk behaviors.
In the news:
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Establishing a dialogue
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THIS IS LIVING WITH CANCER – Website
Please click the following image to visit the website:
Cancer Sometimes Does Not See Age
To access this article, please visit the following link: https://www.curetoday.com/view/cancer-sometimes-does-not-see-age
For more information, contact:
Lorna LeMelle, Community Engagement Manager | llemelle@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
Email Ms. LeMelle Explore CHW Program
The community health worker program is supported in part with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (SAP 4100073089), the Appalachia Community Cancer Network (U01 CA114622) and the Penn State Cancer Institute. The CSHO Shared Resource is grateful to the Northern Appalachia Cancer Network and its community and clinical partners.
(1) The Guide to Community Preventive Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017. (Accessed 3/31/2017, at http://www.thecommunityguide.org/about/default.htm.)