UAB: Comprehensive Cancer Center

Individual and group cancer awareness messages continue to be the strongest contribution of the local volunteers and staff.  

DSN has developed eight key messages that encourage screening and increase physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption as well as messages regarding Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and the hope that early detection provides for cancer patients. 

8 Key Messages

1.  Finding cancer early saves lives.

2.  Get a mammogram every year!

3.  Get a pap test regularly!

4.  Screening can prevent colon cancer.

5.  Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week!

6.  Eat 5 or more colorful fruits and vegetables every day.

7.  Community members working together can bring about change for healthier communities!

8.  Cancer… there is Hope!

As a result…

--DSN has implemented 1,000 cancer awareness activities that have reached more than 300,000 individuals. 

--The DSN cancer awareness efforts in conjunction with other collaborating partners have shown a reduction in Medicare Mammography screening.  Disparity reduction was substantial - 17% before DSN was implemented, reduced to 6% in the last reporting year in Alabama, and 16% initial disparity in Mississippi reduced to 6%.  Choctaw County (Alabama) and the Yazoo County (Mississippi) actually reversed disparities so that a greater percentage of African-Americans are being screened than Caucasians.