# Enhanced BReast and cErvical cAncer screening in Kenya THROUGH implementation science research and training (The BREAKTHROUGH Center)

> **NIH NIH U54** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $961,691

## Abstract

CENTER OVERALL: PROGRAM SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
While considerable evidence is available for screening and early treatment of breast and cervical cancers,
huge gaps remain in equitable and sustainable translation of this knowledge into practice and policy, especially
in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, gaps in screening and linkage to treatment result in late-stage presentation of
breast and cervical cancers, profound preventable morbidity and mortality, and disproportionate hindrance to
women’s development. To close these gaps, the Enhanced BReast and cErvical cAncer screening in Kenya
THROUGH implementation science research and training (BREAKTHROUGH) Center coalesces trans-
disciplinary expertise at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Emory University, University of Washington, and
Queen’s University. BREAKTHROUGH will include an Administrative and Engagement Core that engages
community, clinical, and government stakeholders and scientific partners, and seamlessly coordinates [Overall
Aim 1] our interrelated Research Capacity Building Core and two Research Projects. Our multi-institutional,
collaborative partners bring considerable breadth and depth of implementation science and oncology expertise,
a substantial research base, matched resource commitments (>$125,000 in contributions), international
gravitas, and >10 years of working together. To grow implementation science in women’s cancer control and
conduct impactful research, BREAKTHROUGH has a training framework that engages investigators across the
career spectrum (faculty, fellows, students) to sustainably strengthen capacity by supporting trainees to
become mentors [Overall Aim 2]. We provide didactic training; engagement in Research Projects; and access
to stakeholders, technologies, networking, and enrichment activities. BREAKTHROUGH’s projects will map
and co-design (with stakeholders) strategies that overcome barriers to women’s cancer control. We then test
feasibility, implementation, effectiveness, and sustainment of context-specific, theoretically-informed strategies
for overcoming complex barriers to adoption and integration of breast and cervical cancer screening and
referral linkages in primary care [center theme; Overall Aim 3]. We also utilize these projects as training
platforms to strengthen local capacity and research administration for implementation science at KNH. Project
1 is entitled “accelerating aDoption of pAtient-centereD cervicAl cancer screening and treatment LINKage in
Kenya” (DADA LINK) and Project 2 is entitled “a Multi-level strATegy for InTegrating Information technologY
and mobile health to strengthen linkAges to breast caNcer screeninG and early detection among women
Utilizing primary care in Kenya (MATITI YANGU). The Center, Cores, and Projects will produce actionable,
mixed methods, user-friendly evidence and bidirectionally engage with key stakeholders as advisors and
disseminators, maximizing reach, uptake, and sustainability. BREAKTHROUGH is well-integrated ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10738131
- **Project number:** 1U54CA284036-01
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mohammed Kumail Ali
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $961,691
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-09-19 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10738131

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10738131, Enhanced BReast and cErvical cAncer screening in Kenya THROUGH implementation science research and training (The BREAKTHROUGH Center) (1U54CA284036-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10738131. Licensed CC0.

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