Cancer is already the leading cause of death among Asian Americans, yet this group remains severely understudied in U.S. cancer research. The ASPIRE (Asian American Cohort Study), funded by the National Cancer Institute, is emerging as one of the most significant public health initiatives ever launched to understand cancer disparities among Asian Americans. Now the study has come to the Sacramento region.
Collaboration key to success of research study
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of 20 academic institutions across the country helping to recruit study participants.
The cancer center is working in collaboration with UCSF, which is leading the ASPIRE study on the West Coast.
“We are looking at whether factors such as stress, environmental factors and access to care may be impacting their chances of having cancer,” said Moon Chen, UC Davis principal investigator for ASPIRE.
Chen’s team launched its local recruitment campaign to the Vietnamese and Hmong communities in February at the Lunar New Year Tết Festival at Elk Grove Park and in May at the Sacramento Iu Mien 50th Anniversary celebration.
ASPIRE’s bilingual/bicultural Vietnamese staff set up an information booth to talk about the study with festival visitors. Eligible participants were asked if they would like to enroll in the study. To take part, participants must be:
- Asian or Asian American
- Age 40-75
- Currently living in the United States or a U.S territory
- Never diagnosed with cancer
Participants in the ASPIRE study will receive $25 for completing four surveys over 12 months. ASPIRE outreach staff will approach potential participants at gathering places for Asian Americans such as coffee shops, grocery stores and independent living units in the Sacramento area. Meanwhile, the Hmong Cultural Center of Butte County in Oroville will lead the effort to reach out to Hmong residents, who are more likely to live in rural areas and work in agriculture.