Cedars-Sinai has announced its participation in a significant national study aimed at reducing cancer disparities among Asian Americans. The five-year study, funded by a $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute, will focus on developing culturally tailored interventions to improve cancer screening rates in this diverse population.
The research initiative, led by the University of California, San Francisco, targets three specific Asian American subgroups: Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese Americans. These communities have been identified as having lower cancer screening rates compared to non-Hispanic whites, contributing to higher cancer mortality rates.
The study aims to develop and test a multilingual digital health library containing over 70 micro-learning videos. These videos will be culturally and linguistically adapted to address the unique needs and perspectives of each subgroup. The content will cover various aspects of cancer screening, including colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer.
Zul Surani, associate director of Community Outreach and Engagement at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and the Cancer Research Center for Health Equity at Cedars-Sinai, highlighted the importance of this research. “This study will help us understand how to better reach Asian American communities with lifesaving cancer screening messages,” Surani said.
One of the study’s key innovations is the use of artificial intelligence to personalize video recommendations based on individual user characteristics and preferences. This approach aims to maximize engagement and effectiveness in promoting cancer screening awareness.
By participating in this study, Cedars-Sinai joins a nationwide effort to combat health disparities and improve cancer outcomes among Asian American communities. The results of this research could pave the way for more targeted and effective cancer prevention strategies across diverse populations.
“Cedars-Sinai Joins Study to Address Cancer Disparities in Asian Americans” (October 7, 2024)