Title: Cancer Prevention, Information, and Awareness Education Through Workplace Partnership: A Community-Based Public Health Initiative
Abstract:
Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, yet many cases may be prevented or detected earlier through increased awareness, risk reduction behaviors, and adherence to recommended screening guidelines. Workplace settings provide an effective venue for delivering accessible health education and prevention resources to adults. A collaborative cancer prevention initiative was formed between Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and the Georgia Cancer Cetner focused on improving employee knowledge, health literacy, and engagement in preventative care.
The primary objective of the initiative was to educate and inform employees about cancers of interests, both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, recommended screening guidelines, and evidence-based prevention strategies to support informed health decision making. Program activities were guided by employee interest and organizational need. Targeted educational online seminars were developed based upon feedback and delivered via an online platform with an opportunity for live questions and discussions to both enhance engagement and clarify any concerns. Following each online seminar, slide decks and educational materials were distributed to participants to reinforce key messages and extend learning beyond the initial online seminar. In addition to the online seminars, on-site health fairs featuring cancer awareness tabling were conducted to expand access to resources and further promote cancer prevention and awareness.
Program outcomes demonstrated strong engagement and meaningful impact. Online seminar attendance has increased over time, indicating both a growing trust and interest in cancer education programming. Employee input into topic selection has strengthened program relevance and participation. Most importantly, participant feedback has shown that there is both greater awareness of cancer risk factors and prevention strategies with several employees having pursued genetic testing, recommended cancer screening, and sharing personal anecdotes following program participation. Ultimately, this initiative has established a sustainable partnership between workplace wellness leadership, at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, and an academic cancer center, Georgia Cancer Center.
This initiative highlights the importance of community-engaged workplace partnerships in advancing public health goals and cancer prevention efforts. By improving health literacy, encouraging preventative action, and improving access to trusted information, community-engaged, workplace-based programs programming can aid in reducing disparities, supporting early detection, and decreased cancer burden within the community. Replication of similar employer-health system collaborations could expand the reach of cancer prevention efforts in other communities.
