Project & Member Spotlight

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Spotlight Your Project or a Cancer Control Member!

The work of CDOC members is crucial in achieving our shared vision of reducing cancer suffering and mortality in California. Our members are at the forefront of the fight against cancer, and we would like to hear about activities and/or projects our cancer control members are working on, particularly those that address goals, objectives, or strategies in California’s State Cancer Control Plan, 2021-2025. This will help CDOC stay connected with and recognize the strides that are taking place in our state in the fight against cancer. CDOC welcomes all members the opportunity to spotlight their work or recognize an individual who has done exemplary work in cancer control. Your submission will be shared in CDOC newsletters, website, or other communications. Tell us about your project or outstanding member by completing this form.

If you would like to learn more, email:

Joyce Ceja, MPH

Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

T +1 279-217-1019 | Email: cdocshare@gmail.com

U-GROW (Undergraduates Gaining Research Opportunities for the Cancer Workforce)

Institution: U-GROW, Cedars Sinai

Program Description: Undergraduates Gaining Research Opportunities for the Cancer Workforce (U-GROW) is a program developed and led by Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Los Angeles for students from the eight greater Los Angeles-area campuses of the California State University system: Cal Poly Pomona, Channel Islands, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Northridge, and San Bernardino.

U-GROW is an undergraduate research education program whose goal is to diversify the public health workforce. Through internships, mentorship, and training we prepare promising college students from communities disproportionately affected by cancer health disparities for research careers that promote health equity.

U-GROW was launched in 2022. Cohort 1 (9 students) interned in the summer of 2022 and Cohort 2 (15 students) interned in the summer of 2023. For summer 2024, they will accept a cohort of 15 CSU juniors and seniors.

Orange County Cancer Coalition (OC3)

Institution: Orange County Cancer Coalition (OC3)

Program Description: The Orange County Cancer Coalition (OC3), founded in 2008 by community advocates is the only remaining countywide cancer coalition. OC3 represents more than 17 organizations including health systems, treatment centers, academia, community-based organizations, and associations (www.myoc3.org). OC3 builds partnerships to maximize resources, share information and experience related to all types of cancer, identify and implement specific strategies and tactics to improve coordination of cancer detection and treatment services across Orange County. OC3’s mission is to improve comprehensive cancer prevention and patient care in Orange County, CA. Many OC3 members serve in leadership positions on several local and regional cancer-related coalitions. Several are members of the Equity in Orange County Task-force. OC3 members have been critical in the development of California’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan (the state cancer plan).

San Francisco Cancer Initiative (SFCAN) - Prostate Cancer Task Force

Institution: San Francisco Cancer Initiative (SF CAN)

Program Description: The San Francisco Cancer Initiative (SF CAN) focuses on the city and county of San Francisco, where cancer is the leading cause of death. SF CAN is an integrated, cross-sector collaboration launched in November 2016. It brings together the San Francisco Department of Public Health; the University of California, San Francisco; other major health systems; and community coalitions to exert collective impact on cancer disparities via five task forces.

The SFCAN Prostate Cancer Task Force aims to eliminate the mortality disparity for African American men and such that all SF patients can receive the highest-quality and most appropriate treatment. To achieve this, SFC-Prostate is advancing a new evidence-based protocol, Smarter Screening and Smarter Treatment (S3T), which emphasizes risk stratification in screening, diagnosis, and treatment designed to reduce over-treatment and maximize quality of life. This requires a two-track approach. One takes place in the community via, and the other in health care settings.