title: Addressing the cancer control needs of Pacific Islanders: experience of the Pacific Islander Cancer Control Network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper describes the accomplishments of the Pacific Islander Cancer Control Network (PICCN). PICCN's objectives fall under two broad categories: increasing cancer awareness and enhancing cancer control research among Samoans, Tongans, and Chamorros.
  
  
  METHODS
  PICCN established an infrastructure for addressing the goals that include the University of California, Irvine; the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center; and community-based organizations (CBOs) in areas where large numbers of Pacific Islanders live. Activities that increase cancer awareness include assessing existing cancer education materials, developing new culturally-sensitive materials, and distributing the materials in a culturally-sensitive manner. Activities that enhance cancer control research include training Pacific Islander investigators and providing them with mentors to help with the development of research projects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the four project years, PICCN has conducted more than 180 cancer awareness activities in its six study sites: Carson, CA; San Mateo, CA; San Diego, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; American Samoa; and Guam. PICCN members have also participated in conferences and lead discussions about the importance of clinical trials for Pacific Islanders. In addition, the Network has trained nine Pacific Islander investigators (three individuals from each ethnic group) in its cancer control academy. Finally, PICCN investigators are conducting pilot research projects that will answer important questions regarding the cancer control needs of these Pacific Islanders and set the stage for interventions aimed at addressing the needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PICCN is advancing the national goal of eliminating cancer-related health disparities through its cancer awareness and research activities for Pacific Islanders.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Policy and Research, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. fahubbel@uci.edu
authors.forename: F Allan
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Hubbell
authors.forename: Pat H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Luce
authors.forename: William P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Afeaki
authors.forename: Lee Ann C
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.forename: Terri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gumataotao
authors.forename: Juliet M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: McMullin
authors.forename: June
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pouesi
authors.forename: Maria Lourdes
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.forename: Leafa Tuita
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Taumoepeau
authors.forename: Galeai Moali'itele
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Tu'ufuli
authors.forename: Lari
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wenzel
mesh_terms: D018948:American Samoa; D002140:California; D003479:Curriculum; D006141:Guam; D006254:Hawaii; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D044468:Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander / Q000193:education*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010139:Pacific Islands / Q000208:ethnology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012935:Social Justice