Future directions for implementation science at the National Cancer Institute: Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control

Abstract

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Moonshot initiative seeks to accelerate cancer research for the USA. One of the scientific priorities identified by the Moonshot’s Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) of scientific experts was the implementation of evidence-based approaches. In September 2019, the NCI launched the Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3 or “Centers”) initiative to advance this Moonshot priority. The vision of the ISC3 is to promote the development of research centers to build capacity and research in high-priority areas of cancer control implementation science (e.g., scale-up and spread, sustainability and adaptation, and precision implementation), build implementation laboratories within community and clinical settings, improve the state of measurement and methods, and improve the adoption, implementation, and sustainment of evidence-based cancer control interventions. This paper highlights the research agenda, vision, and strategic direction for these Centers and encourages transdisciplinary scientists to learn more about opportunities to collaborate with these Centers.

Behavioral and Psychological Outcomes Associated with Skin Cancer Genetic Testing in Albuquerque Primary Care

“…Genomic testing of MC1R for skin cancer risk may promote behavior change across ethnically and racially diverse populations [37], especially among Hispanics, who generally have low skin cancer risk awareness [38][39][40][41][42][43]. Meta-analytic work has shown that genetic information motivates behavior change and does not generate high levels of distress or worry [44], yet the use and impact of genetic information in diverse community settings [45] is extremely understudied [46]. This randomized controlled trial ("SOMBRA: Skin Health Online for Melanoma: Better Risk Assessment") was conducted in a diverse primary care population in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which experiences year-round sun exposure [47].…”

Collaboration Networks of the Implementation Science Centers for Cancer Control (ISC3): A Social Network Analysis

“…In 2018, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) issued requests for funding to support Implementation Science Centers for Cancer Control (ISC 3 ) (2019-2024) (9)(10)(11). Each of the seven funded ISC 3 centers conducts pilot work in IS approaches and includes an "implementation laboratory" that provides important linkages with clinical and community sites.…”

Four strategic areas to advance equitable implementation of evidence-based practices in cancer care

“…These include three large research networks: Accelerating Colorectal Cancer Screening and follow-up through Implementation Science (ACCSIS; https://healthcaredelivery.cancer.gov/accsis ), Improving the Management of Symptoms during and following Cancer Treatment (IMPACT; https://healthcaredelivery.cancer.gov/impact ), and most recently the Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3; https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/is/initiatives/isc3 ). ISC3 includes seven Centers to support the rapid implementation of evidence-based strategies across the cancer control continuum with a focus on health equity [ 35 ]. These multipronged efforts reflect a tremendous opportunity to simultaneously advance the field of implementation science and cancer care.…”