# Cancer Prevention and Control (CAPAC) Research Training Program

> **NIH NIH R25** · COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER/ UNIV/PR · 2024 · $431,990

## Abstract

Project Summary. Research performed in Puerto Rico (PR) provides an opportunity to advance knowledge of
cancer risk, and cancer prevention and control among Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations in the United
States (US). Since 2019, the Cancer Prevention and Control (CAPAC) Research Training Program at the
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer
Center has sought to increase the pool of master’s degree graduates and other health professionals who
pursue a doctoral degree and/or a career in cancer prevention and control research with a focus on Hispanic
health and cancer health disparities. CAPAC increases trainees’ understanding of the spectrum of cancer
prevention and control research, strengthens their research skills and experience, as well as their cultural
awareness and sensitivity to disparities and Hispanic populations. We recruit participants from all racial/ethnic
groups and cultural backgrounds to participate in a 10- or 15-week hands-on research experience with a
Hispanic population and cultural environment during the summer. Trainees are selected based on their merit
(academic performance, letters of recommendation, and research interests) and are matched to a mentor
based on their research interest in basic, clinical/translational, and population-based research. Educational
activities include seminars and workshops to strengthen the trainee’s skills (i.e. successful interview
techniques, manuscript writing, and leadership) to increase their interest in pursuing a doctoral degree and/or
careers in cancer prevention and control research. Given its need, and building on the program’s success
(2019-2023), for this new cycle the CAPAC Research Training Program aims to: 1) Recruit 25 masters-level
and health professional students (and recent graduates from these programs) annually to participate in
mentored hands-on cancer prevention and control research experiences in PR, with a focus on Hispanic health
and cancer disparities; 2) Provide trainees with the skills to pursue a doctoral degree and/or a career in cancer
prevention and control research; and 3) Conduct process and outcome evaluation of short-, intermediate-, and
long-term goals. For this second cycle of the CAPAC program, we propose an annual increase from 20 to 25
trainees participating (n=125 total) and to integrate new topics and activities based on lessons learned in the
first cycle. These are intended to strengthen participants’ interactions with one another and their cultural
competency and sensitivity in clinical and research settings. In addition, among the 25 trainees, we will recruit
annually 1-2 former CAPAC alumni for a second-time experience as peer-to-peer mentors with new program
participants. Our outcomes of interest include (1) recruitment of trainees from underrepresented groups, (2)
trainee and mentor satisfaction with the program, (3) trainees who become co-authors in scientific
presentations a...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10769092
- **Project number:** 2R25CA240120-06
- **Recipient organization:** COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER/ UNIV/PR
- **Principal Investigator:** ANA Patricia ORTIZ
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $431,990
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10769092

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10769092, Cancer Prevention and Control (CAPAC) Research Training Program (2R25CA240120-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10769092. Licensed CC0.

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