SWW-IMPACTS: Scaling What Works -Improving and Accelerating Cancer Prevention, Treatment, and Survivorship

Univ Of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with an estimated 2 million new cases and over 620,000 deaths projected in 2025. While significant progress has been made in prevention, early detection, and treatment, widespread implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) remains a challenge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) supports 66 sites nationwide in developing and implementing comprehensive cancer control plans. To enhance the reach and impact of effective EBIs, NCCCP sites require increased capacity to scale and sustain these initiatives. Building on findings from the 2023–2024 Scaling What Works (SWW) Pilot, we propose the SWW-IMPACTS (Improving and Accelerating Cancer Prevention, Treatment, and Survivorship) initiative, a tailored capacity-building program designed to strengthen NCCCP sites’ ability to implement and sustain four CDC-identified pilot projects. Using the Leeman et al. Framework for Capacity Building, we will apply multi-modal capacity-building strategies—including training, tools, technical assistance, assessment, and feedback—delivered through a community of practice, virtual learning sessions, and an in-person symposium. Our overarching goal is to strengthen NCCCP sites’ capacity to implement, adapt, and sustain effective cancer prevention and control EBIs while identifying the most effective strategies for building capacity at scale. Our specific aims are to: 1. Assess NCCCP sites’ capacity-building needs to refine SWW-IMPACTS protocols and align strategies with site staff’s preferences; 2. Develop a community of practice that fosters EBI selection, adaptation, implementation, evaluation, and sustainment through structured training and technical assistance; and 3. Evaluate the effectiveness of capacity-building strategies to determine how different formats and mechanisms influence practitioner capacity and EBI planning behaviors. By systematically examining changes in practitioner capacity and EBI planning behaviors, SWW-IMPACTS will generate insights to inform future capacity-building efforts. The long-term impact of this work will be a stronger, more sustainable infrastructure for implementing and scaling EBIs, ensuring that NCCCP sites can continually improve cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship outcomes nationwide.