Using Community-Based Participatory Research Strategies to Promote Liver Cancer Prevention

TL;DR

This paper describes a community-driven initiative to increase liver cancer awareness and prevention among underserved racial and ethnic groups.

Contribution

The study introduces a culturally tailored, community-based approach using CBPR to improve liver cancer prevention in minority populations.

Findings

The initiative led to increased community knowledge about liver cancer and viral hepatitis.

There was improved uptake of screening tests and healthier lifestyle behaviors.

Community capacity building was enhanced through collaboration with CAB and health workers.

Abstract

Hispanic, Asian, and African Americans are disproportionately affected by liver cancer, viral hepatitis B (HBV), and viral hepatitis C (HCV), in part because of barriers to liver cancer awareness and prevention. We implemented a community-based, culturally tailored initiative to raise awareness and promote uptake of behaviors for liver cancer prevention, early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Guided by community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles and built on well-established collaboration with community-based organizations, we actively engaged the community advisory board (CAB), community health workers, and community members in multiple phases of (1) a community-based educational initiative, (2) a city-wide bus campaign, and (3) community health fairs. This multilevel initiative saw notable changes in community members’ knowledge of liver cancer, viral hepatitis, lifestyle behaviors like dietary patterns, and uptake of screening tests for HBV/HCV. Additionally, the comprehensive engagement of CAB, healthcare workers, and community members significantly benefited community capacity building on cancer research and health promotion. These CBPR-guided community initiatives had remarkable positive impacts on promoting liver cancer awareness and prevention among underserved racial/ethnic minorities. The academic–community relationships built on and strengthened through shared power, mutual respect, and trust serve as the foundation for sustainable community growth and empowerment.