# CLEAN: A community-engaged intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening in Chinese American immigrants

> **NIH NIH K01** · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · 2022 · $51,530

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death among Chinese in the US. CRC
screening prevents cancer and reduces mortality through the removal of precancerous polyps. However, CRC
screening is severely underutilized by Chinese in the US with only 47% of Chinese Americans over age 50
reporting having ever completed a CRC screening compared to 73% of non-Hispanic whites. Given these
disparities, it is critical to increase Chinese immigrants' participation in cancer prevention efforts. Research
indicate community engaged interventions, such as narrative education and patient navigation are promising
strategies for increasing CRC screening in vulnerable populations. In this study, we propose to develop and
pilot test CoLorectal Cancer Narrative Education and Navigation (CLEAN), a community-engaged intervention
consisting of narrative education and patient navigation to improve CRC screening in Chinese immigrants. To
develop CLEAN, we will culturally and linguistically adapt Witness CARES, a theory-driven, evidence-based
narrative group education program. We will also enhance the program with patient navigation to further
promote CRC screening in this vulnerable population. Thus, our specific aims are to: (1) Develop CLEAN by
culturally and linguistically adapting and enhancing Witness CARES to support CRC screening among Chinese
immigrants; and (2) Pilot test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of CLEAN for supporting
CRC screening in Chinese immigrants. The long-term goal of the proposed research is to improve prevention
and early detection of CRC in Chinese immigrants and other underserved groups with the ultimate objective of
reducing cancer disparities. The proposed research is directly relevant to Dr. Vang's career goals and
objectives and will be used to build a program of research to implement effective interventions aimed at
reducing cancer disparities in minorities. Her research activities will be complemented with a well-thought out
training plan that will help her acquire new knowledge and skills in: (1) community engaged research, and (2)
and randomized controlled trials design and analysis. Given the institution's high quality research environment
and resources, and with the guidance of the experienced mentoring team, Dr. Vang will have the support and
resources necessary to successfully pursue the proposed research and training aims. Over the course of the
5-year funding period, she will participate in ongoing meetings with her mentors, complete formal coursework
and interactive training activities offered at her institution and elsewhere; submit a minimum of 5 first author
manuscripts for publication; and attend scientific research conferences to foster national networks with
researchers in cancer health disparities. This multimodal training plan will provide Dr. Vang with the
comprehensive skills needed to achieve her research aims and professional goal of becoming an...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10525958
- **Project number:** 1K01CA255411-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- **Principal Investigator:** Suzanne Sharry Vang
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $51,530
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-14 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10525958

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10525958, CLEAN: A community-engaged intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening in Chinese American immigrants (1K01CA255411-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10525958. Licensed CC0.

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