Program Information

The Community Networks Program (CNP) is designed to reach communities and populations that experience a disproportionate share of the cancer burden: African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hawaiian Natives and other Pacific Islanders, Asians, Hispanics/Latinos, and underserved rural populations. The overall goal of the program is to significantly improve access to - and utilization of - beneficial cancer interventions and treatments in communities experiencing cancer health disparities in order to reduce these disparities.

Research on cancer health disparities has shown that there are several reasons for these disparities, including lack of access (e.g., financial and transportation barriers), lack of resources, inadequate health care, and in some cases, a lack of cultural competence on the part of health care providers who do not know how to communicate effectively with various population groups. Inadequate cancer education and information, such as a lack of culturally appropriate information, can also contribute to disparities.

Building on this research, the CNP grant awards ensure that communities and populations that experience a disproportionate share of the cancer burden have the resources to address cancer disparities through community-based participation in education, research, and training.

For detailed information on the 25 CNP grantees and their projects, see the CNP Project Listing.

For descriptions of the CNP pilots, see the CNP Pilot Listing.