Abstract B041: Together we stand: NCI’s cancer center partners to engage underrepresented communities in cancer research

Abstract Purpose: To address disparities in clinical trial participation, Fox Chase’ Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (OCOE) developed a training for patients and lay audiences to engage underrepresented audiences in discussions about the role of research in the cancer continuum. Leveraging this program, the team collaborated with Addressing Diversity in Access to Clinical Trials (funded by Stand Up to Cancer) research team to implement and evaluate the pilot. Methods: Through the six-week training, ambassadors learned foundational research principles and practices which included both didactic and interactive learning modules. Leveraging a variety of faculty/staff, presentations focused on health disparities, understanding the research process, informed consent, human subjects’ protections, barriers to participation, and historical abuses in research. Interactive activities included group discussions on common clinical trial questions, community engagement role-play, site visits, reviewing research articles, and reviewing a clinical trials protocol. Training is designed to prepare ambassadors to share their clinical trials knowledge with their communities and to disseminate evidence-based information. Pre/post surveys were conducted exploring improved knowledge and confidence in discussing clinical trials in their communities. CA’s completed monthly logs of their activities post training. Results: Ambassador trainees (n=13) were predominantly female (84.6%). 84.6% percent were Black, 16.4% White, and 7.7% Asian. 61.5% were cancer survivors, 30.8% were caregivers, and 7.7% were current patients. The median age was 61 years. Fifty-four percent had clinical trials and/or biospecimen collection experience. Wilcoxon nonparametric tests showed a statistically significant (p<.05) difference between pre and post training for General Readiness (p=0.047), Cancer 101 (p=0.017), and Clinical Trials (p=0.03) survey scores. More specifically, ambassadors showed statistically significant improvements for “Preparedness to talk about cancer research.” (p=0.02), “Comfortability discussing cancer research.” (p=0.046), and the “Purpose of a Phase 1 clinical trial.” (p=0.008). Since the 2024 training cohort was completed, ambassadors have reached over 1193 people via one-on-one discussions, community outreach events, and via digital mediums like podcasts and continue to collaborate with OCOE assisting in a variety of community outreach events. Conclusion: This pilot has been well regarded by the community and our Community Ambassador’s and the OCOE have integrated the program into their ongoing community outreach efforts. Plain language educational brochures were developed; we have also filmed various presentations to facilitate more condensed hybrid training and leveraged this training for other stakeholders, i.e., nurse navigators. Citation Format: Evelyn T. Gonzalez, Linda G. Fleisher, Oluwademilade Adefarati. Together we stand: NCI’s cancer center partners to engage underrepresented communities in cancer research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B041.