Abstract A100: Leveraging community health workers in a large urban area to meaningfully link cancer patients to care

Abstract Introduction/Background This study explores how patients on the South Side of Chicago diagnosed with cancer navigate the healthcare system, evaluating how a Community Health Worker (“CHW”) Program intervention can support the clinical care delivered by an academic medical center. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of cancer patients enrolled in the UChicago Medicine LinC (“Liaisons in Care”) program (Jan 2022–Dec 2024). Inclusion criteria focused on patients diagnosed with cancer, determined as high-risk by clinicians, and enrolled and engaged in LinC. Program engagement was defined by at least one home visit or extensive encounter history; patients still active in the program, deceased, or enrolled in the program multiple times were excluded. The primary outcome assessed was healthcare engagement, defined by 1) presence of primary care provider (gleaned from electronic medical record), 2) MyChart enrollment, and 3) appointment show rate. The sample was predominantly Black and female. Common primary cancer types included breast, head/neck, and lung. Results/Findings Results are pending, but anticipated findings include increased healthcare engagement following the 3-month+ CHW intervention. The analysis methodology includes comparing LinC-enrolled cancer patients pre- and post-program, with patients serving as their own control group. This is a quality improvement project, with the goal of assessing whether the program achieved its intended impact to improve access to care for communities on the South Side of Chicago most vulnerable to preventable morbidity and mortality related to cancer risk and treatment. Conclusion/Implications Advances in medical interventions for cancer patients still must consider social determinants of health when evaluating their success. Social programs addressing barriers related to social determinants of health should supplement clinical solutions in treating the whole person experiencing cancer. Citation Format: Lunya Allie, Elizabeth Hansen. Leveraging community health workers in a large urban area to meaningfully link cancer patients to care [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 A100.