HCOPH Faculty Members Receive American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants (ACS IRG)

HCOPH Faculty Members Receive American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants (ACS IRG)

The American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants (ACS IRG) are a unique funding source entrusted to Stephenson Cancer Center (SCC) to support early stage faculty interested in cancer-related research in any field by providing seed grants. The following Hudson College of Public Health faculty were spring 2020 recipients!

• A Cancer-Related MicroRNA Profile: The Critical Role of Firefighter Protective Equipment Practices  

   PI: Jooyeon Hwang, PhD

Firefighters wear equipment to protect them from fire-related contaminants; however, they still have an elevated risk of cancer. This study evaluates the use and maintenance of personal protective equipment by volunteer and career firefighters and examines cancer-associated biomarkers in their blood, and will determine if differences in equipment practices between volunteer and career firefighters affect internal biomarkers.

• Barriers To Accessing Specialty Care Among American Indian Children with Cancer

PI: Amanda Janitz, PhD

This study assesses whether American Indian children differ from non-Hispanic white children in cancer treatment and outcomes in Oklahoma. This is the first study to provide epidemiologic data related to disparities in access to oncology care among American Indian children in Oklahoma. Results of this study will facilitate tailored interventions to improve the coordination of care and better incorporate important cultural factors into cancer care for American Indian children with cancer.

• Incentives to Promote Smoking Cessation for Individuals with Diabetes

   PI: Sydney Martinez, PhD

Smoking cessation is recommended as a standard treatment for individuals with diabetes; however, smokers with diabetes face many other challenging lifestyle behavior changes and smoking cessation remains difficult. Offering abstinent-contingent incentives improves cessation rates in various populations. This study evaluates the potential impact of offering financial incentives for smoking cessation among individuals with diabetes and will identify diabetes-related factors associated with smoking cessation.