Background: NCI-Designated Cancer Centers provide key cancer research, prevention, and treatment services to members of their catchment area. Characterization of these areas may be complex given the diverse needs of the populations within, particularly those from low socioeconomic position (SEP). The purpose of this paper is to describe the characterization of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) catchment area through using a two-pronged approach.
Methods: Participants (n = 1,511) were recruited through (i) an online, probability-based survey (n = 1,013) and (ii) a supplementary, in-person survey from priority groups (African Americans, Latinos, blue-collar workers, low SEP, homeless; n = 498) within Massachusetts. Study staff worked closely with community partners across the state to reach individuals who may not usually be included in online surveys.
Results: There were several differences across samples, with the community-based sample having a higher percentage of low SEP, low education, African Americans, and Latinos compared with the online sample. Differences were also noted in the cancer-related behaviors of the samples, with the community-based sample having higher rates of smoking, particularly within those who were homeless or make less than $20,000 per year. Fewer community-based subgroups were current with cancer screenings, and more showed more indication of potential communication inequalities compared with statewide estimates.
Conclusions: The sampling strategy used to characterization of the DF/HCC catchment area provided broad, statewide estimates and additional focus on vulnerable populations, highlighting several potential areas for intervention.
Impact: This study provides data to highlight the value of using multiple sampling strategies when characterizing cancer center catchment areas.
©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.