Abstract 1031: Cervical cancer awareness program in Rio Grande Valley (RGV) colonias: empowering communities through our cervical cancer prevention action network (CCPAN) program

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge, particularly in underserved communities of US-Mexico trans-border Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region. This region represents remarkably higher cervical cancer health disparities. Thus, to improve awareness about cervical cancer in the RGV Colonias by providing crucial evidence-based information on the prevention, early detection, and available clinical resources is utmost desirable in this RGV region. Towards this, we have established a unique cervical cancer prevention action network (CCPAN) program to cater to this need of the community. Our approach towards the awareness of cervical cancer through community engagement and by explaining what cervical cancer is, its risk factors, symptoms, importance of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and right dose schedule of HPV vaccination in our visits to underserved Hispanic population of RGV Colonias. We also explain etiology and progression of HPV infection through our small dramatic representation, videos and cartoons. Additionally, we provide information to the residents of Colonia about the importance of regular Pap tests and HPV tests in early detection of cervical cancer. Moreover, we also provide patients navigation information to local clinics and healthcare facilities that offer cervical cancer, HPV screenings and HPV vaccinations. We encourage people to get vaccinated, get screened, and spread the word at grass root level in the communities. Through our CCPAN program, we are also developing a database regarding Demographics, Knowledge and Awareness, Screening and Prevention, Attitudes and Beliefs, and Awareness of Local Resources. So far, the data that we have collected is alarming and is very different compared to nationwide data. Our collected data from RGV colonias suggest that communities have very limited information related to cervical cancer (30%), causes of cervical cancer (5%), awareness of HPV vaccine (30%) and timely receiving of HPV vaccine (30%). This situation appears alarming and RGV colonias communities required urgent community support to reduce cervical cancer health disparities in the region. We believe that our unique CCPAN program has very high potential to educate and empower the RGV colonias communities to take proactive steps in preventing cervical cancer, that can ultimately lead to reduce cervical cancer health disparities in the RGV. Citation Format: Swati Mohan, Bhupendra B. Srivastava, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan. Cervical cancer awareness program in Rio Grande Valley (RGV) colonias: empowering communities through our cervical cancer prevention action network (CCPAN) program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 1031.