<investigatorsMsg>

Message

Maria Elena Martinez, Ph.D.; Kathryn Coe, Ph.D.;

Ana Maria Lopez, M.D., MPH, FACP

Recruiting Special Populations into clinical studies and other research studies is crucial. In the United States today, members of racial-ethnic groups or those living in rural or medically underserved areas have disproportionately high morbidity and mortality rates for certain cancers. Screening rates are discouragingly low. Despite the many large and important studies over the past 50 years, comparatively little is known about these populations as they have historically been underrepresented in both research and clinical trials. Consequently, our established norms are based on a biased standard, and these populations are denied the opportunity to receive state-of-the-art cancer care.

Although strategies exist to address low recruitment rates, success in recruitment remains elusive. The SPSS Investigators are highly qualified and experienced. They can provide the skills, strategies, and connections needed to ensure successful recruitment. SPSS is ready to provide researchers with translations, demographics, cancer mortality and morbidity data, culturally and linguistically appropriate questionnaires, and maps. In addition, staff will provide technical assistance, including model development for participant-focused research and educational, promotional, and informational materials. SPSS will provide training for researchers and their staff through workshops, seminars, classes, and lectures on cultural, traditional, political, and ethical issues crucial for working successfully with different populations.

The SPSS is here to help AZCC researchers meet the new stricter guidelines for the participation of diverse groups in NIH/NCI-funded studies. Such hard-to-reach populations are currently experiencing health disparities. If you would like assistance to increase the numbers of Hispanics, American Indians, African Americans, Asian Americans, and rural residents in your clinical trials, contact the Special Populations Shared Service (SPSS). This service is staffed by individuals (Directory) who have decades of demonstrated success in conducting research and culture-based health programs in special populations.

The SPSS Team is available and prepared to support all Clinicians and Researchers in working with and recruiting Special Populations. To submit a question, make an appointment, or to discuss how to successfully include these populations in your trials or studies, contact us for an appointment.

The Special Populations Team looks forward to working with you!

Contact Us to schedule a free consult meeting

The Arizona Cancer Center, the state’s premier National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. With primary locations at the University of Arizona in Tucson and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center in Scottsdale, the Center has more than a dozen research and education offices distributed throughout the state and 250 physician and scientist members working to prevent and cure cancer.