August 20, 2008
Photograph, Dr. Cathy Melvin

Photograph, Dr. Cathy Melvin

A team of population scientists from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have been honored by the National Cancer Institute at a recent summit. Among those recognized was Cathy Melvin, PhD, research associate professor in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the School of Public Health.

A presentation describing the project, which involves partnering with community health agencies in High Point, N.C., to increase colon cancer screening among African-Americans and uninsured individuals, received third place in a nation poster competition held as part of the summit on eliminating cancer health disparities through science, training and community.

Melvin, the project’s principal investigator and a research associate professor at UNC’s Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, worked with Alexis Moore, dissemination core project director; Katya Roytburd, project manager; and Liz Harden, research assistant.

The project partners are promoting colorectal cancer screening through education and distribution of FIT (fecal immunochemical test) kits, focusing primarily on under- and uninsured High Point residents. The FIT is a take-home test that finds hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer, polyps or other bowel diseases. The group also plans to deliver diagnostic and treatment services to all patients with positive test results, regardless of their ability to pay.

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To learn more about the High Point project, go to http://www.4cnc.org/index.php?q=projects/coloncancer.

School of Public Health contact: Ramona DuBose, director of communications, (919) 966-7467 or ramona_dubose@unc.edu.

 

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