Cancer Research and Outreach
The Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement (OCHECE) supports and coordinates research, outreach and programming to help reduce the burden of cancer in Michigan. OCHECE welcomes your interest and participation in the below opportunities.
FACCTS (Facts about Cancer Clinical Trials)
Project FACCTs (Facts about Cancer Clinical Trials) is a brief-online video-based education study, where individuals can learn more about cancer clinical trials and their significance. The education takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Eligibility: 21 years or older
Study Coordinator: Madison Pavliscak
Funder: National Cancer Institute
Project ACE (Advocates for Cancer Education)
Project ACE (Advocates for Cancer Education) is a one-time, 45-minute online education session about HPV (Human Papillomavirus). During this education, participants will learn information about HPV and the HPV vaccine.
Eligibility: 21 years or older, parent/guardian of a child 11-17 years-old
Study Coordinator: Madison Pavliscak
Funder: National Cancer Institute
RAYS (Research & Advocacy for Young Survivors
The RAYS study works to identify the unmet needs of young cancer survivors in the Metro-Detroit area through the development of a Cancer Action Council. Council members will apply their personal experiences and knowledge about cancer issues to research that will inform strategies to provide further support in improving the lives of young cancer survivors.
Study Coordinator: Hayley Thompson, Ph.D.
Funder: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control
LGBT Cancer Caregiving
Program is estimated to begin in Summer of 2021. The LGBT Cancer Caregiving study will be a pilot program to support LGBTQ-identified cancer caregivers. It is based on previous programs that have had a significant, positive impact on cancer caregivers' wellbeing. These successful programs will be adapted to specifically address the unique issues that LGBTQ cancer caregivers face.
Eligibility: LGBTQ+ community members who are currently a caregiver for someone with cancer.
Study Coordinator: Hayley Thompson, Ph.D.
Funder: DMC Foundation
The CanCare Project
The CanCare Project focuses on identifying the needs that are most significant in African American cancer caregiving. Participants are asked to discuss their thoughts and attitudes on their cancer caregiving experience, supportive care needs, and possible challenges to quality of life. This research, driven by collaboration with community members, will inform strategies to better support vulnerable populations and improve their cancer caregiving experience.
Eligibility: Identity as African American cancer survivor, received a cancer diagnosis in the past 5 years, have a caregiver currently or had one previously who helped you after cancer diagnosis, live in the Metro-Detroit area, 18 years of age or older
Study Coordinator: Hayley Thompson, Ph.D.
Funder: Internal Funding
Linked: Closed
WISEWOMAN (Understanding Barriers to Healthcare During the COVID-19 Pandemic)
WISEWOMAN sheds new light on the experiences and challenges faced by African American women to schedule preventive care appointments with their healthcare provider during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility: Between the ages of 21 to 64 years, have no personal history of a cancer diagnosis, identify as a Black or African American woman, live within Metro-Detroit, have a laptop or smartphone with internet access
Study Coordinator: Brittany Dowe, MPH
Funder: MDHHS
Link: Closed
Karmanos COVID-19, Cancer & Community Survey
This research sheds new light on the social determinants that drive racial disparities in cancer specifically, and health more broadly. Data informed practical strategies to support vulnerable populations that disproportionately carried the COVID-19 burden.
Study Coordinator: Tanina Foster, Ph.D.
Eligibility: Michigan residents, 18 years of age and older
Link: Closed