The national cancer institute’s community networks program initiative to reduce cancer health disparities: Outcomes and lessons learned

Background: We describe reach, partnerships, products, benefits, and lessons learned of the 25 Community Network Programs (CNPs) that applied community-based participatory research (CBPR) to reduce cancer health disparities. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data were abstracted from CNP final reports. Qualitative data were grouped by theme. Results: Together, the 25 CNPs worked with more than 2,000 academic, clinical, community, government, faith-based, and other partners. They completed 211 needs assessments, leveraged funds for 328 research and service projects, trained 719 new investigators, educated almost 55,000 community members, and published 991 articles. Qualitative data illustrated how use of CBPR improved research methods and participation; improved knowledge, interventions, and outcomes; and built community capacity. Lessons learned related to the need for time to nurture partnerships and the need to attend to community demand for sustained improvements in cancer services. Implications: Findings demonstrate the value of government- supported, community–academic, CBPR partnerships in cancer prevention and control research.