HISTORY
The ACCN is the third generation of NCI-funded projects regarding cancer in Appalachia.

The Appalachia Leadership Initiative on Cancer (Dr. Gilbert H. Friedell, PI;1992-2000) developed community-based coalitions to improve cancer awareness and control in Appalachia. Investigators with ALIC worked with regional community leaders to identify issues, provide information, and develop outreach activities.

The Appalachia Cancer Network (Dr. Stephen Wyatt, PI; 2000-2005) was established to build on findings in the ALIC project and address critical cancer control issues that impact the rural, medically underserved populations of Appalachia. The ACN focused on barriers to participation in clinical trials, and developed community-based coalitions to improve cancer awareness and control in Appalachia.

The Appalachia Community Cancer Network (Dr. Mark Dignan, PI; 2005-2010) aims to build on progress made in the previous two projects and take the next step in reducing cancer health disparities in the region.

GOALS
The long-term goal of the ACCN is to contribute to the reduction of cancer health disparities in Appalachia by developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based participatory projects.  The specific aims of the ACCN are to:

1. Build on a foundation established by the Appalachia Cancer Network and develop and maintain community partnerships to facilitate research and action to reduce cancer health disparities;
2. Conduct community-based participatory research (CBPR) ranging from focused needs assessments to intervention research to policy assessments;
3. Develop pilot research projects that focus on primary and secondary prevention of lung, cervical, and colorectal cancer in Appalachia, and recruitment to clinical trials;
4. Train junior researchers in community-based participatory research
5. Disseminate research findings to community and scientific partners; and
6. Conduct evaluation of the ACCN, including attention to processes, short term impact, and achievement of outcomes.