Grant: CIHR New Investigator

The main goal of this research program is to reduce cancer screening inequalities for marginalized populations. So far, this research program has identified the problem of screening inequalities among foreign-born persons, low-income persons, and those with disability, identified screening barriers and facilitators, and adapted knowledge to local contexts. My proposed work described in this application has three main objectives: 1)To use innovative methods to tailor cancer screening interventions for marginalized groups 2)To evaluate interventions using rigorous study designs such as randomized trials 3)To monitor sustained knowledge use through knowledge translation and analyzing provincial-level data This research program consists of a series of projects that will move sequentially through these objectives over the next five years. Objective 1: Projects will develop cancer screening interventions for Ontarians who are vulnerable to being under-screened for cancer, such as those who are foreign-born or living with low income. Objective 2: I will evaluate the success of these interventions. Objective 3: Knowledge use will be monitored by data analyses that assess uptake of interventions, and changes in screening rates for target groups. This research program builds on a solid foundation of previous research. It is also supported by strong collaborations with respected mentors and knowledge users. Accordingly, knowledge translation strategies have been and will be well integrated into the research program. This research program will have a significant impact on existing cancer screening inequalities through clear, tangible outputs: sustainable, innovative interventions applicable widely (primary care, public health) that have been rigorously evaluated and are tailored toward marginalized groups.