Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
Cancer Prevention and Control (CAPAC) Research Training Program - Project Summary. Research performed in Puerto Rico (PR) provides an opportunity to advance knowledge of cancer risk, and cancer prevention and control among Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations in the United States (US). Since 2019, the Cancer Prevention and Control (CAPAC) Research Training Program at the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center has sought to increase the pool of master’s degree graduates and other health professionals who pursue a doctoral degree and/or a career in cancer prevention and control research with a focus on Hispanic health and cancer health disparities. CAPAC increases trainees’ understanding of the spectrum of cancer prevention and control research, strengthens their research skills and experience, as well as their cultural awareness and sensitivity to disparities and Hispanic populations. We recruit participants from all racial/ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds to participate in a 10- or 15-week hands-on research experience with a Hispanic population and cultural environment during the summer. Trainees are selected based on their merit (academic performance, letters of recommendation, and research interests) and are matched to a mentor based on their research interest in basic, clinical/translational, and population-based research. Educational activities include seminars and workshops to strengthen the trainee’s skills (i.e. successful interview techniques, manuscript writing, and leadership) to increase their interest in pursuing a doctoral degree and/or careers in cancer prevention and control research. Given its need, and building on the program’s success (2019-2023), for this new cycle the CAPAC Research Training Program aims to: 1) Recruit 25 masters-level and health professional students (and recent graduates from these programs) annually to participate in mentored hands-on cancer prevention and control research experiences in PR, with a focus on Hispanic health and cancer disparities; 2) Provide trainees with the skills to pursue a doctoral degree and/or a career in cancer prevention and control research; and 3) Conduct process and outcome evaluation of short-, intermediate-, and long-term goals. For this second cycle of the CAPAC program, we propose an annual increase from 20 to 25 trainees participating (n=125 total) and to integrate new topics and activities based on lessons learned in the first cycle. These are intended to strengthen participants’ interactions with one another and their cultural competency and sensitivity in clinical and research settings. In addition, among the 25 trainees, we will recruit annually 1-2 former CAPAC alumni for a second-time experience as peer-to-peer mentors with new program participants. Our outcomes of interest include (1) recruitment of trainees from underrepresented groups, (2) trainee and mentor satisfaction with the program, (3) trainees who become co-authors in scientific presentations and/or manuscripts, (4) trainees who present their research work in scientific meetings, and (5) trainees who continue doctoral studies and/or careers in cancer prevention and control research.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).