Program for Cancer Control and Population Science

The Program for Cancer Control and Population Science works closely with community groups affected by cancer, health practitioners and public health officials to improve cancer detection and reduce death from cancer, especially among disproportionately affected populations.

Although the incidence rates of many cancers are lower for minorities than whites, minorities are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later stages and die from it at higher rates. This program's research addresses this concern. 

The Program for Cancer Control and Population Science is a collaboration between the UIC Cancer Center and the Institute for Health Research and Policy, where it resides. The program’s researchers collaborate with local community organizations, health care providers, and public health departments. View our partners.

The PCCPS associate director is Marian Fitzgibbon, professor of medicine and health policy and administration and IHRP deputy director.

Researchers in the program aim to:

• Reduce breast cancer among African American and Latina women by examining the factors that influence access to breast cancer screening, the barriers to obtaining care, and the time between diagnosis and treatment.
• Ease the burden of colorectal cancer among African Americans by identifying barriers to detection and care, including beliefs about cancer, social support, transportation, housing, literacy, perceived stress, fear, medical trust, and insurance status.
• Improve early detection of oral cancer among underserved, at-risk populations throughout Illinois by educating the public about oral cancer, promoting screening by dental and medical providers, and offering no-cost screening opportunities in community settings.
• Reduce disparities in prostate cancer morbidity and mortality by examining the link between body fat and prostate cancer progression.

As a part of the University of Illinois at Chicago, the program mentors new investigators in cancer research through the Cancer Education and Career Development Program. The program also is helping faculty at Governors State University build a research portfolio that addresses health disparities.