Notes

Cancer Classroom Webinar: Culture and Literacy

As part of its Cancer Classroom Series, NCI is offering a webinar titled “Culture and Literacy: Bridging Communications Gaps” on September 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET.

Culture has been shown to influence people’s perceptions of cancer risk, their trust in oncology professionals, and their approach to cancer treatment including clinical research. Dr. Cathy Meade, director of the education program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, will describe how incorporating culture into clinical practice may help reduce cancer health disparities across the cancer care continuum.

At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• identify the role of culture and literacy in improving cancer communications;
• examine the unique contributions of culture and literacy for reducing health disparities;
• identify ways to integrate cultural and literacy considerations into community outreach programs, clinical practice, and innovations such as biobanking; and
• identify resources relating to cancer, culture, and literacy.

The Cancer Classroom Series provides early career public health professionals and those new to oncology the educational guidance, tools, and resources necessary to address cancer as a public health issue.

Workshops are free, but preregistration is required and space is limited. To register for “Culture and Literacy: Bridging Communications Gaps” or to find out about upcoming sessions, visit the series website.

Call for Applications: NCI Clinical Assay Development Program

The NCI Clinical Assay Development Program (CADP) is requesting project applications from investigators seeking resources for clinical assay validation. These resources are designed to assist with the development of assays that may predict therapy response or prognostic behavior of a diagnosed cancer, primarily for use in clinical trials. Approved projects will have access to the institute’s assay development and validation resources, including project management support.

When applying to CADP, investigators must define the intended clinical use for the assay for which support is requested and provide basic assay protocols. Assays submitted for CADP development services should have been tested on human tissue. Proposals will be reviewed for scientific merit, feasibility, and clinical importance.

Applications are due October 15. More information and the application are available online.

New Brochure Educates Patients about Biospecimen Donation

A new brochure, How You Can Help Medical Research: Donating Your Blood, Tissue, and Other Samples, explains how donating samples can help advance cancer research. The brochure, developed by NCI’s Office of Biorepositories and Biospecimen Research and Office of Communications and Education, covers common terms, explains the importance of donation, addresses potential concerns, and encourages readers to speak with their health care providers.

The brochure also provides answers to questions and concerns patients may have about biospecimen donation, helping readers make a more-informed decision about whether donation is right for them.

Readers may view the brochure and order a copy online.