HJBR May/Jun 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  MAY / JUN 2024 45 Renea Austin-Duffin Vice President of Cancer Outreach and Support Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center greater engagement with screening services. Understanding the root of what drives community members to be active partici- pants in their health is the second approach to driving increased prevention. Education alone, while powerful, is not enough. Indi- viduals must also express interest in engag- ing in preventive healthcare, as well as inter- est in understanding how certain behaviors benefit their livelihood and those around them. It’s imperative to present individuals with resources in such a way as to inspire them to take personal responsibility for their health. Understanding lived experi- ences and obstacles, and providing similar viewpoints, provides impactful communica- tion touchpoints. Finally, efforts to expand access to screen- ing facilities and services are paramount in overcoming logistical and geographical barriers. This entails establishing screen- ing locations in underserved communities, leveraging mobile health units for outreach initiatives, and implementing telemedicine solutions to enhance accessibility. Addition- ally, partnerships with community-based organizations and grassroots outreach ef- forts can amplify the reach of screening campaigns, ensuring that no individual is left behind. Healthcare providers can accelerate change Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in driving equitable access to screenings through patient-centered care and cultur- ally competent practices. By cultivating trust, addressing patients’ unique needs, and facilitating informed decision-making, providers can foster a supportive environ- ment conducive to screening compliance and follow-up care. Best practices, such as implementing patient navigation programs, activating re- minder systems, and tailoring interventions where needed can boost screening compli- ance and promote health equity across di- verse populations. Above all, being compassionate and un- derstanding of a patient’s lived experiences can help provide unmatched care. Taking into consideration each patient’s unique barriers and meeting them where they are is key to helping them achieve the health they deserve. Addressing disparities in cancer screen- ings in Louisiana, lessening the burden of cancer, and improving survivorship de- mands collective action and unwavering commitment from healthcare providers, organizations, and community members. By prioritizing education, expanding access, and fostering patient-centered care, we can narrow the gap in healthcare and improve outcomes for all residents. n REFERENCES 1 America’s Health Rankings. “2023 Annual Re- port.” Accessed April 2024. https://www.ameri - cashealthrankings.org/learn/reports/2023-annu- al-report 2 LSU Health New Orleans. “Cancer in Louisiana 2016-2020: Volume 38.” Louisiana Tumor Regis- try, September 2023. https://sph.lsuhsc.edu/wp- content/uploads/2023/09/1-Cancer-in-LA_Vol- 38_Full-document.pdf Renea Austin-Duffin holds a bachelor’s degree in business/public administration fromLSU and amas- ter’s in public administration from Southern Univer- sity. Her career seamlessly bridges public service and the private sectors, with a common mission: improving the lives of those in greatest need. Since 2007, Renea has served as vice president of cancer support and outreach at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, managing mission-based programs, edu- cation, clinical research, and mobile medical clinics. She also oversees a grants program exceeding $5 million and serves as a governmental affairs liaison for the cancer center at local,state,and federal levels. including a convenient at-home test, however, colonoscopy is the gold standard. • Skin Cancer: Adult men and women should examine their skin regularly and screen annually to evaluate new growths or changings in existing growths. • Oral Cancer: An individual’s medical and family history should be consid- ered, along with risk factors. A clini- cian should screen annually for signs of oral cancer. • Breast: Women should get a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting in their 20s, and an annual mammogram starting at age 40. • Prostate: Men should begin screening at age 50. Men with a close family mem- ber with prostate cancer before age 65 andAfricanAmericanmen should start screening at age 45. How to address disparities and bridge the gap in cancer care Pervasive misconceptions, lack of aware- ness, and systemic barriers inhibit indi- viduals from accessing life-saving cancer screenings, perpetuating disparities in can- cer outcomes. Addressing these disparities can be accomplished through a comprehen- sive and multifaceted approach that encom- passes education, access, and community engagement. As a first step, education is crucial. Robust educational initiatives must be deployed to raise awareness about the importance of preventive care and the benefits of early detection. By empowering individuals with knowledge and fostering a culture of pro- active healthcare-seeking behaviors, we can dismantle misconceptions and inspire