Abstract B112: Empowering cancer advocates: Evaluating the impact of a comprehensive training program

Abstract The Cancer Advocacy Training Program aimed to enhance participants' knowledge, skills, and confidence in cancer advocacy, particularly addressing disparities in cancer health outcomes. This evaluation assesses the program's impact through pre- and post-training survey comparisons. The program included 25 participants from various states and focused on comprehensive training. Surveys measured changes in knowledge, attitudes, self-perceived skills, and confidence. Results showed that accurate identification of cancer's main categories increased from 83% to 96%, and awareness of the NCI's mammogram recommendations rose from 70% to 96%. Recognition of the root causes of health disparities remained at 100%, and belief in the inclusivity of cancer advocacy roles was consistently high. Understanding of trust dynamics in advocacy increased by 50%, and recognition of essential political advocacy components improved by 14%. Specific learning outcomes indicated consistent identification of research advocates, a 23% increase in knowledge of strategic funding sources, a 31% improvement in understanding health communication audiences, a 19% rise in awareness of patient advocacy benefits, and a 13% increase in comprehension of informed consent. Confidence in advocacy skills also saw significant improvements. "Extremely confident" participants increased to 33% in problem-solving, adaptability, and communication with stakeholders. Confidence in fundraising and partnership building rose to 19%, evaluation of advocacy outcomes to 24%, identifying key issues to 29%, presentation skills to 33%, and using digital tools to 29%. Self-efficacy results demonstrated notable gains: confidence in solving difficult problems related to cancer advocacy increased with participants reporting "extremely confident" rising from 11% to 33%. Confidence in adaptability under stress improved significantly, with "extremely confident" participants rising from 11% to 33%. Effective communication with stakeholders saw a significant increase, with "extremely confident" participants rising from 17% to 33%. Fundraising and partnership-building confidence increased from 6% to 19%, and confidence in evaluating advocacy outcomes improved, with "extremely confident" participants rising from 6% to 24%. The program effectively enhanced participants' knowledge, attitudes, and advocacy skills, integrating theoretical and practical learning. Gains in confidence across problem-solving, adaptability, and communication skills underline the program's success in preparing participants for real-world advocacy. Participant feedback confirmed the program's relevance and efficacy, suggesting future iterations should emphasize diversity in advocacy and deepen content on key topics. This program serves as a valuable model for empowering cancer advocates and addresses the critical need for targeted training to reduce cancer health disparities. Citation Format: Manisha Salinas, Monica Albertie. Empowering cancer advocates: Evaluating the impact of a comprehensive training program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B112.