From Cancer Epidemiology to Policy and Practice: the Role of a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Purpose of Review Cancer incidence and mortality are decreasing, but inequities in outcomes persist. This paper describes the San Francisco Cancer Initiative (SF CAN) as a model for the systematic application of epidemiological evidence to reduce the cancer burden and associated inequities. Recent Findings SF CAN is a multi-institutional implementation of existing evidence on the prevention and early detection of five common cancers (i.e., breast, prostate, colorectal, liver, and lung/tobacco-related cancers) accounting for 50% of cancer deaths in San Francisco. Five Task Forces follow individual logic models designating inputs, outputs, and outcomes. We describe the progress made and the challenges faced by each Task Force after 5 years of activity. SF CAN is a model for how the nation's Comprehensive Cancer Centers are ideally positioned to leverage cancer epidemiology for evidence-based initiatives that, along with genuine community engagement and multiple stakeholders, can reduce the population burden of cancer.

Automated summary

This paper describes the San Francisco Cancer Initiative as a model for reducing the burden of cancer and associated inequalities. By implementing evidence-based initiatives focused on prevention and early detection of five common cancers, SF CAN has made progress and faced challenges after 5 years of activity. It highlights how Comprehensive Cancer Centers can leverage cancer epidemiology to reduce the population burden of cancer through community engagement and multiple stakeholders.