Researchers at the School of Social Work are partnering with Texas AgriLife Extension to evaluate the development of a coordinated system of screening, diagnosis, and referrals for treatment of breast and cervical cancer for rural Texas women across 40 counties, with a focus on those who are uninsured and over 40 years of age. The project will build on the Friend-to–Friend program, which provides information, encouragement, and access to breast cancer screening in a social support setting.
This new round of funding from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) will support the addition of four patient navigators who will offer education, services and transportation to breast and cervical screening and diagnostic services. If cancer is found, they will offer assistance to find and pay for treatment. School of Social Work researchers will assist in the development of the program and provide both quantitative and qualitative evaluation to improve the quality, effectiveness and sustainability of this program.