# Improving Family Cancer History Collection using Social Network, Human Centered Design, and Implementation Science Approaches

> **NIH NIH K00** · MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · 2022 · $96,215

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The research strategy and training plan included in this F99/K00 proposal will enhance the career development
and research independence of Caitlin G. Allen, MPH. This research plan aims to advance knowledge of how to
expand the reach and uptake of existing evidence-based genetics tools such as family cancer history (FCH)
among underserved minority populations. FCH collection is a simple, proven way to identify individual's genetic
risk for developing cancer that can encourage tailored cancer prevention and risk-stratified screening. Despite
national efforts, FCH collection remains suboptimal with especially noteworthy disparities in collection among
African American (AA) families. Ms. Allen's F99 research and training will focus on developing her skills in social
network analysis to study individual and family network factors that contribute to poor knowledge of FCH. Ms.
Allen has already completed two complementary dissertation studies that directly inform the proposed F99
research: 1) a systematic review of family health collection tools, and 2) development of a valid and reliable scale
used to identify family network members that are highly likely to share FCH information. She will complete her
dissertation research in the F99 phase of this award, which will involve: 1) 50 AA participants completing their
FCH using a FCH collection tool (ItRunsInMyFamily), and 2) characterizing individual- and network-level factors
that influence FCH collection by conducting personal network interviews using the Colored Eco-Genetic
Relationship Map technique. To accomplish these aims, her F99 training objectives are to: 1) hone professional
skills in grantsmanship, academic writing, and research dissemination, 2) develop scientific independence by
strengthening methodological and analytic skills in social network analysis and relevant research methods, and
3) identify a postdoctoral site and K00 mentor. Ms. Allen's F99 training plan is bolstered by strong support from
an excellent mentorship team at the Rollins School of Public Health and the research infrastructure at Emory
University, creating an optimal training environment. Ms. Allen's postdoctoral research (K00 phase) will expand
upon F99 work by enhancing a FCH collection tool (ItRunsInMyFamily) through human centered design
approaches and implementing this tool in community-based clinical settings. Her training goals aligned with this
phase of research includes: 1) building knowledge in human centered design and health technology assessment,
2) becoming an expert in implementation science, and 3) enhancing professional and research skills to prepare
for an academic research position. Collectively, the integrated research plan and training goals are critical to
establishing a successful, innovative, and meaningful academic career focused on extending cancer-specific
genetics discoveries to marginalized and underrepresented populations by supporting evidence-based solutions
such as FCH to ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10407663
- **Project number:** 5K00CA253576-03
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
- **Principal Investigator:** Caitlin Gloeckner Allen
- **Activity code:** K00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $96,215
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-06-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10407663

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10407663, Improving Family Cancer History Collection using Social Network, Human Centered Design, and Implementation Science Approaches (5K00CA253576-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10407663. Licensed CC0.

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