Maryland Special Populations Cancer Research Network (MSPN) Projects

The Maryland Special Populations Cancer Research Network (MSPN) is one of 18 prestigious "Special Populations Network" grants funded throughout the United States to address cancer disparities in minority and medically underserved populations. The Network works in Maryland to address and eliminate differences in incidence and mortality associated with cancers in these demographic groups versus the general population.

MSPN supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of a sustainable and robust infrastructure that:

1. Promotes cancer awareness in target populations;

2. Launches cancer disparities intervention and research activities;

3. Promotes clinical trials awareness in target populations;

4. Increases the number of minority applying for and receiving peer reviewed funding.

Focusing on community, church, and media-based outreach activities, the Network aims to change the knowledge, attitudes and practices of target groups regarding preventive care, cancer, and clinical trials. Through pilot studies, grant writing workshops, and information sessions for providers, the Network strives to increase the pool of researchers studying cancers where disparities exist. The Network also works to increase the number of providers who refer their patients into clinical prevention and treatment trials. Concomitantly, the Network works to increase physicians' knowledge of clinical trials and to sensitize investigators to culturally appropriate ways of interacting and communicating with diverse patients.

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