# We Ask Because We Care: Enhancing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Collection in New Mexico Cancer Centers (Ask SOGI)

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · 2022 · $149,967

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
In response to the NCI-funded P30 Cancer Center Support Grant opportunity, “Administrative Supplement for the P30
Cancer Center Support Grant to Enhance Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Data Collection,” this proposed
research will use the Quality Implementation Framework (QIF) to guide a multi-level SOGI data collection and utilization
intervention at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC). The National Academy of
Science and the Society of Clinical Oncology call for SGM specific education and training, and culturally relevant service
delivery for SGM persons at increased risk for, and with high incidence rates of, anal, breast, cervical, colorectal,
endometrial, lung, prostate, and hormone related cancers. SGM individuals, along with racial, ethnic, rural and other
minoritized populations, experience stigma and discrimination that may result in chronic stress that can compound cancer-
related-stress, medical mistrust, and lead to poorer outcomes when compared to heterosexual, cisgender white counterparts.
The UNMCCC is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in a 500 mile radius, and will provide statewide
cancer care to an estimated 28,800 of New Mexico’s 75,000 SGM residents who will likely develop cancer in their lifetimes.
SGM persons have complex and intersecting identities existing within and across the State’s ethnically/racially (i.e. 49.1%
Hispanic, 10.9% AI and 37.1% NHW, 2.6% black, 1.8% Asian) and geographically diverse populations. UNMCCC is also
a nexus for twenty-five affiliate cancer care settings that form the New Mexico Cancer Research Alliance. In partnership
with the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation and the National LGBT Cancer Network, the study team will use QIF
to identify potential barriers to the systematic collection of patient SOGI data, incorporate National Academy of Science
Engeneering Medicine recommended SOGI measures into UNMCCC Eelectronic Health Records for medical and research
utilization, tailor staff/provider-cultural competency/cultural humility training interventions, and design patient-facing “We
Ask Because We Care” campaigns to encourage welcoming and comfortable care for SGM patients and their families. An
evaluation strategy using SMART objectives will be used to assess the developed intervention to measure the longitudinal
adoption, reach, and fidelity of systematic collection and utilization of SOGI measures at UNMCCC, efficacy of staff and
provider training, and SGM patient, caregiver and family satisfaction with the “We Ask Because We Care” campaign.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10640767
- **Project number:** 3P30CA118100-17S4
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Alan E Tomkinson
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $149,967
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2005-09-26 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10640767

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10640767, We Ask Because We Care: Enhancing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Collection in New Mexico Cancer Centers (Ask SOGI) (3P30CA118100-17S4). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10640767. Licensed CC0.

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