Examining Unusual Patterns of Cancer and Environmental Concerns: The Importance of Community Input and Engagement.

Abstract

Context: In fiscal year 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received an appropriation from Congress specifically to update guidelines for investigating community cancer concerns. This resulted in the DHHS directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fulfill this responsibility.

Program: The CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) provide guidance to state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) health departments and play important roles in supporting STLT programs in addressing community cancer concerns.

Implementation: The updated guidelines offer enhancements addressing limitations and challenges regarding the process for investigating cancer clusters as expressed by STLT programs responsible for responding to inquiries and by communities impacted by unusual patterns of cancer. Additionally, the updated guidelines offer new tools and approaches associated with scientific advancements. Issues associated with improving communications and community engagement were a priority. Details in the updated guidelines provide suggestions for building and maintaining trust; provide resources via additional tools, templates, and methodology to facilitate sharing of information; provide suggestions for identifying agency and community points of contacts; and provide suggestions for establishing a community advisory committee.

Conclusion: Enhancements to the previous guidelines were included to address advancements in statistical approaches and methods for understanding exposure pathways and also to respond to limitations described in the previous guidelines. Furthermore, these enhancements ensure communities have a voice in the process and offer methods to enhance transparency throughout the investigative process. Ultimately, the 2022 Guidelines are designed to ensure that community engagement, community input, and communication remains paramount to the process of assessing unusual patterns of cancer and environmental concerns.