ABSTRACT
Populations in Mexico and Latin America experience substantial cancer-related health
inequities compared to those in high-income countries. Poor implementation of evidence-based cancer
control interventions (EBIs) is, in part, to blame. We propose to establish a new Center: Leveraging
Implementation Science To Optimize Strategies (LISTOS) for Cancer Control to advance
global implementation science (IS) in cancer control in Mexico and Latin America. Through two
research studies that address critical cancer control needs, and two cores (Administrative, and Research
Capacity Building), the LISTOS Center will: 1) build organizational readiness for implementation of
cancer control EBIs in Mexico; and 2) build readiness for implementation research through capacity
building, training, and mentorship. The LISTOS Center has two content-related subthemes
corresponding to the two primary ways that cancer control EBIs can be “optimized”: 1) adapting EBIs
and implementation strategies to improve fit with the diverse populations and settings in Mexico; and
2) developing implementation strategies to improve and accelerate EBI adoption, integration, scale-up,
and sustainment in Mexico. These subthemes are integrated across the research projects and cores.
The Administrative and Engagement Core will provide leadership; offer administrative
support, coordination, communication, and engagement activities; and lead dissemination efforts.
Leveraging substantial IS training experience, existing programs, and a strong and diverse team of
investigators, mentors, and partners, the Research Capacity Building Core will support a range of
activities to train the next generation of IS leaders throughout Latin America. The LISTOS center cores
will support two innovative research studies that will increase the reach, effectiveness, and
sustainment of cancer early detection in health care systems that serve disadvantaged populations in
Mexico, using innovative and scalable implementation strategies. These studies aim to: 1) increase the
adoption, implementation, and sustainment of CRCS EBIs in a public insurance healthcare system; and
2) integrate breast cancer rapid diagnosis pathways across health services available for the uninsured.
The Center utilizes innovative and tailored approaches that will enable a new generation of LMIC-based
researchers to conduct research that will accelerate and improve the use of effective and scalable cancer
control EBIs. The aims will both advance the science of implementation in LMICs (measurement,
adaptation, and strategy development) and create a sustainable infrastructure that will enable
continued contributions to the field for years to come.
