Getting Ahead Program for Cancer Prevention

Overseen By Heidi Gullett, MD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a unique program called "Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World" to assess its potential in cancer prevention. The program educates participants on economic challenges and guides them in planning a healthier future. Participants will attend 16 sessions over eight weeks, with follow-ups six months later. It suits English speakers interested in committing to the program and willing to follow up with their primary care provider. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative cancer prevention strategies.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on a training program rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this program is safe for cancer prevention?

Research has shown that the Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World program operates in many settings, including healthcare, without reports of harm. This program helps individuals understand and overcome the challenges of poverty. By focusing on learning and personal growth rather than medical treatment, it remains accessible to participants. As it is not a drug or medical treatment, no negative effects have been reported from joining the program. Participants typically have positive experiences, indicating it is a safe choice for those interested in this supportive and educational approach. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Getting Ahead Program for cancer prevention because it takes a unique approach by focusing on education and empowerment rather than traditional medical treatments. While most cancer prevention strategies involve lifestyle changes or medications, this program uses the "Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World" curriculum to help participants understand and improve their socioeconomic situation, which can have a significant impact on health outcomes. By addressing the root causes of health disparities, this program aims to provide long-term benefits and empower individuals to make informed health decisions.

What evidence suggests that the Getting Ahead Program is effective for cancer prevention?

Research has shown that the "Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World" program, which participants in this trial will receive, can lead to positive life changes. Participants gain more knowledge about poverty, experience less stress, and enjoy better mental health. Although researchers have not directly studied this program for cancer prevention, its success in improving mental health might help prevent cancer by encouraging healthier lifestyles. Studies have found that improving social and economic conditions can help lower cancer risk. Therefore, this program might offer a new way to support cancer prevention by focusing on overall health and well-being. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Heidi Gullett, MD

Principal Investigator

Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is open to individuals who are interested in cancer prevention and willing to commit to an 8-week training program called Getting Ahead, which meets twice a week. Participants must also agree to follow up with their primary care provider after the program and be okay with starting immediately or after an 8-week delay. They need to speak English.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to follow up with my doctor after the training program.

I am okay with starting the treatment immediately or waiting 8 weeks.

I am willing to commit to an 8-week training program.

Exclusion Criteria

There are no exclusion criteria

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Getting Ahead Program

Participants engage in the Getting Ahead program over 16 sessions to develop a future orientation and improve cancer prevention activities

8 weeks

16 sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cancer prevention activities and future orientation

6 months

Long-term Follow-up

Participants are assessed for long-term changes in cancer prevention and future orientation

Up to 3 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World

Trial Overview The trial is testing the 'Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World' program's effectiveness in advancing cancer prevention and control. The study will see if understanding economic class rules through this program can help craft a future that reduces cancer risks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Getting Ahead Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

12 staggered cohorts will be given the Getting Ahead program, using the established Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World program. Six practices will be used. Each participant will come in for 16 session over an eight week period and will be followed up six months post intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

472

Recruited

33,400+

Citations

1. ahaprocess.com ahaprocess.com/national-study-validates-effectiveness-of-getting-ahead-program/

National study validates effectiveness of Getting Ahead ... A national study suggests that the program Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World (Getting Ahead) results in positive psychosocial changes for participants ...

2. ahaprocess.com ahaprocess.com/getting-ahead-study/

The research isn't boring! Getting Ahead appears to lead to positive changes in investigators' poverty-related knowledge, perceived stress, mental health and wellbeing.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10805431/

State of the Science of Scale-Up of Cancer Prevention and ... This scoping review identified 24 published studies describing strategies and outcomes used when scaling up cancer control evidence-based interventions in low- ...

4. wcrf.org wcrf.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/major-global-study-says-prevention-best-hope-for-reducing-cancer/

Major global study says prevention is our best hope for ... New research in The Lancet quantifies cancer risk factors for countries around the world, across age, sex and over time.

5. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28602774/

WHA passes resolution on cancer prevention and control WHA passes resolution on cancer prevention and control. Lancet Oncol. 2017 Jul;18(7):858. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(17)30454-0. Epub 2017 Jun 8.

6. howardcountymd.gov howardcountymd.gov/getting-ahead

Getting Ahead Suite of Programs Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting' -by World: A 45-hour workshop for individuals aged 18 and up, is designed to help participants examine the effects of poverty ...

7. lewiscountyny.gov lewiscountyny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022-Lewis-County-Community-Health-Assessment-Submitted.pdf

2022-Lewis-County-Community-Health-Assessment- ... • Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-By World (Bridges Out of Poverty). Another ... Promote referral of patients with prediabetes to the National Diabetes.

8. wcrf.org wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention/our-cancer-prevention-recommendations/

Our Cancer Prevention Recommendations Experts now believe that up to 40% of cancer cases are preventable. Our Cancer Prevention Recommendations are a blueprint for how to reduce your risk of cancer.

9. findhelp.org findhelp.org/food/emergency-food--frederick-md

emergency food programs in Frederick, md The Urgent Need Program provides eligible blood cancer patients with assistance for non-medical expenses including rent, mortgage, lodging, utilities, childcare ...

10. news.stonybrook.edu news.stonybrook.edu/university/sbu-led-study-reveals-link-between-wtc-toxic-exposures-and-lung-cancer/

Study Reveals Link Between WTC Toxic Exposures, Lung ... A new study links lung cancer incidence to responders heavily exposed to the toxins. Credit: Stony Brook World Trade Center Health and Wellness ...