Contributions of Community Health Workers and Patient Navigators in the Cancer Continuum and Research in LMICs: Practical Examples, and Opportunities for Engagement @ London Global Cancer Week

November 15, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Virtual

Access to cancer care is a persistent public health challenge. Over the past few years, COVID-19 has impacted access to services resulting in higher rates of cancer morbidity and mortality globally, notably in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Exploring tailored and sustainable, community-driven models provides insights for researchers, funders, and implementers aiming to alleviate the increasing cancer burden, particularly in LMICs. Frequently, community health workers (CHWs) and patient navigators (PNs) play a crucial role in healthcare systems through their intimate knowledge of the communities they serve. Engaging these groups, deepening our understanding of their key contributions in the cancer continuum, and amplifying their voice in shaping global cancer research, could greatly advance health equity.

Session aims to discuss:

• The impact of CHWs and PNs in the cancer control continuum, advocating for their recognition in bridging the gap between cancer research and practice

• Strategies for integrating CHWs and PNs into cancer care and research

• Practical steps for policy and implementation, thereby accelerating the journey towards health equity

Our session will include a panel discussion featuring experienced practitioners, researchers, and CHWs and PNs from diverse global settings. Additionally, we will facilitate interactive audience engagement activities, like question-and-answer sessions and live polling, to foster active learning and information exchange This session is hosted in collaboration with London Global Cancer Week (LGCW) 2023.

Panel
co-Moderator Hawa Camara, Ph.D, M.P.H. Cancer Prevention Fellow National Cancer Institute USA
co-Moderator John D. (Jack) Murphy, Ph.D., M.P.H. Postdoctoral Fellow National Cancer Institute USA
Rebecca Ocampo, M.D. Clinical Coordinator Agencia Costarricense de Investigaciones Biomedicas (ACIB-FUNIN) (formerly Proyecto Epidemiologico Guanacaste) Costa Rica
Suparna Qanungo, Ph.D. Associate Professor College of Nursing Medical University of South Carolina USA
Gaurav Kumar, MBBS, M.D. Consultant Department of Palliative Care and Psycho-oncology Tata Medical Center India
Chinmay Mandal Community Health Worker India
Theoneste Maniragaba, M.D. Consultant Clinical Oncologist Rwanda Biomedical Center Rwanda