News from the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative | July 2021
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Don't miss today's webinar, 10-11 am:
Expanding Health Insurance Access to Improve Cancer Outcomes
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It's time to review and update your Member Profile
Every two years we ask you to review and update your Member Profile to remain an active member of the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative. See our recent email for instructions!
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Save the date for the 2021 Wisconsin Cancer Summit
Please join us Oct. 20-21, 2021, at the Edgewater hotel in Madison. In-person and virtual attendance options will be available. Registration opens in August. Watch ENGAGE for more details!
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Welcoming our new director, Beth Brunner |
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We are incredibly excited to welcome Beth Brunner as the new Director of the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative!
Beth joined our staff in March 2020 as Partnership Manager, after a serving as a long-time member and Steering Committee chair. We are thrilled to have Beth's expertise, strong vision, and thoughtful leadership at the helm of our organization.
"When I joined the staff of the Collaborative a little more than a year ago, I was joining a program that I have loved for more than 15 years," Beth says.
"This program, and the wonderful members who make its work possible, drive my passion for collaborations. I firmly believe that collaboration is the essential key that will help us make an impact in cancer control and prevention in Wisconsin.
"The past year has seen huge challenges affecting our communities, our health care professionals, our fellow public health teams, and our nonprofit partners. The Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative will continue to support our members, partners, and residents of Wisconsin, as we work through these challenges to reduce the burden of cancer in our state.
"I am honored to be the new Director, and I look forward to the work ahead of us."
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COVID-19 vaccination: What is safe for people with cancer? |
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By John Klaus Krebsbach
As we enter the summer, COVID-19 vaccination efforts remain in full swing. Unfortunately, many people are still unsure about vaccine recommendations for people with cancer.
To help, we're sharing some commonly asked questions and evidence-based answers:
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Should people with cancer get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Put simply, yes.
Due to cancer and its treatment, people with cancer are at higher risk of infections like COVID-19, and they are at higher risk of more severe complications and death.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends that most cancer patients receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. This includes most patients undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation. Patients receiving stem cell transplants or CAR T-cell therapy should wait at least three months after treatment ends to get vaccinated.
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Are COVID-19 vaccines effective for people with cancer?
Recent studies have shown most people with cancer developed antibodies that protect against COVID-19 after vaccination, particularly after mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer). These protective antibody responses were similar to those of people without cancer. The antibody response was lower among patients with blood cancers, patients undergoing active treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, and recipients of immunosuppressive treatment.
People with cancer should still get vaccinated, as most patients develop some protection, and some protection is better than none. Close contacts should get vaccinated as well, to ensure as much protection as possible for people with cancer who may have a lower antibody response.
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Should people with cancer take other measures to protect against COVID-19?
Yes! Even after getting the vaccine, people with cancer should continue to wear masks, especially indoors, and should consider avoiding large crowds. Other household members should follow this guidance, too.
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How can I learn more?
Resources such as those linked below offer helpful tools for understanding the science and recommendations for people with cancer who are considering COVID-19 vaccination.
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COVID-19 vaccine resources for cancer patients and health care providers |
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Compiled by John Klaus Krebsbach
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COVID-19 Vaccines May Be Less Effective in Some People With Cancer: A review of studies showing that vaccine efficacy can vary in cancer and other immunocompromised patients, from the National Cancer Institute. Therefore, it’s important for family and friends of cancer patients to get vaccinated, too. This includes important data points from relevant studies and introduces upcoming research.
COVID-19 Vaccination for Cancer Patients: Recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination timing for cancer patients, immunocompromised patients, and transplant patients, from Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
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COVID-19 Vaccination for HCT and CAR T-Cell Recipients: Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 vaccination information and recommendations for recipients of HCT and CAR T therapies, published by the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy COVID-19 vaccine expert panel.
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HPV vaccination rates are declining due to COVID; use these tools to reverse the trend |
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Adolescent vaccination rates have fallen during the COVID-19 pandemic, hitting some communities harder than others.
Learn how you can help, with the following resources from the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable:
This infographic explains the urgent need to help kids catch up on routine immunizations. Fortunately the COVID-19 vaccine can be given with other routine vaccinations!
Learn about the barriers to HPV vaccination, and the opportunities to increase rates, in rural communities.
The National HPV Vaccination Roundtable's annual two-day meeting was held virtually last month. In case you missed it, you can now view the full recordings.
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Our webinars are always free and open to members, community partners, and the public.
Register today, share with others, and learn more on our Webinar page.
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JULY
Expanding health insurance access to improve cancer outcomes
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Presented by Courtney Harris, MSW, Outreach and Partner Development Manager for Covering Wisconsin
Connecting Wisconsinites to quality health insurance coverage is a key part of increasing access to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship care necessary for cancer prevention and control.
Join our July webinar to learn more about health insurance options in Wisconsin, new lower-cost coverage options made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, and the ways Covering Wisconsin and other enrollment assisters are working to provide free, local help to Wisconsinites in navigating these options.
In addition, you'll hear about opportunities to partner with Covering Wisconsin as well as outreach and educational resources to help you take action.
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TODAY!
July 8, 2021
10 - 11 am
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AUGUST
The financial toxicity of cancer: Causes, effects, and potential solutions
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Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions a person can experience. From the time of diagnosis through end of life, cancer can create severe financial distress for patients and their loved ones. This financial distress can take a toll on physical and psychological well-being, and it can negatively affect patient outcomes.
Learn more about what contributes to financial toxicity; how it impacts patients, survivors, and families; and how we might reverse this troubling phenomenon.
Presenter details coming soon
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August 12, 2021
10 - 11 am
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SEPTEMBER
Share the Care: Cancer issues in Wisconsin's Native communities
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Presented by Carol Cameron, Program Manager, Wisconsin Inter-Tribal Pink Shawl Initiative
Since 2003, Share the Care has helped to reduce the cancer burden among Wisconsin's American Indian population by raising awareness, promoting cancer screening, and supporting survivors and caregivers.
Join our September webinar to deepen your understanding of the cancer issues affecting Wisconsin's Native communities. Learn more about the pressing need to address cancer disparities in the American Indian community, efforts to increase cancer screening rates, and how you can get involved in Share the Care's work.
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September 9, 2021
10 - 11:30 am
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Please note, this webinar will be 90 minutes long. |
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View past webinar slides and recordings on our Webinar page.
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Final Report: OUT National Survey of LGTBQ+ Cancer Survivors |
The National LGBT Cancer Network recently conducted a comprehensive survey of LGBTQ+ cancer survivors from across the country.
As a promotional partner, we are excited to share that the findings of the survey are now available! These results can be used to improve cancer care and survivorship for the more than 100,000 LGBTQ+ people diagnosed with cancer each year.
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Covering Wisconsin's 2021 Media Toolkit |
Help members of your community find affordable health insurance coverage and get help navigating their options, with this new toolkit from Covering Wisconsin.
The toolkit includes updated social media posts, outreach cards, and flyers, designed to be used directly with the public. Download for free and share in your clinic or community.
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Developed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), these "map stories" use a map-based approach to explain cancer topics such as rural/urban disparities in cancer; tobacco use and lung cancer; and colorectal cancer in young adults.
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Health Literacy Tools: Let's stop saying "vulnerable communities" |
We all know language matters. Communicate Heath has compiled a great archive of health literacy tools to help you communicate more effectively. Their latest post explores the problems with language like "vulnerable communities" -- and offers helpful alternatives to use instead.
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WEBINAR
Taking Care of Self, While Taking Care of Others
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Hosted by George Washington University |
As a professional cancer caregiver, you are trained to take care of everyone else, but what about yourself? This past year and a half, caring for those with cancer has been exceptionally challenging while engaging with multiple pandemics. This webinar will encourage you to hit the pause button and make sure that you are giving care to yourself as well. |
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WEBINAR
Health Care System Approaches to Achieve Equity in Cancer Pain Management
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Hosted by the National Cancer Institute |
In this webinar, three experts will explore systems-level solutions for providing cancer pain management to patients. They will discuss an actionable framework for addressing disparities in cancer care, particularly the ways in which patient navigation and care coordination can be implemented. The webinar will conclude with a moderated panel discussion. |
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WEBINAR
Colorectal Screening Before Age 50
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Hosted by the American Cancer Society |
Recent research has documented a significant increase in the number of colorectal cancers diagnosed before age 50.
Lisa A. Boardman, M.D., will cover updates to national guidelines for patients at average risk, review criteria for earlier screening for patients at higher risk and discuss different approaches to treatment based on early onset and how these cancers have been staged.
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WEBINAR
Opportunities for Examination of Structural Racism and other Social Determinants of Health to Advance Health Equity through Implementation Science
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Hosted by the National Cancer Institute |
Social determinants of health (SDoH) are the determinants that shape health inequalities. In implementation science there is an opportunity to build on this evidence by incorporating structural, community, and health system determinants in the development and testing of implementation strategies that may drive population health goals for achieving equitable implementation of evidence-based interventions. This discussion will highlight structural racism and other social determinants that may be reinforcing inequalities and opportunities for implementation scientists and practitioners to consider including these determinants of equity in our research and practice.
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WEBINAR
Lessons Learned from a Lung Cancer Screening Program: Shared Decision Making, Smoking Cessation, and Adherence
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Hosted by the National Lung Cancer Roundtable |
Learn about the impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer screening, how to conduct quality SDM and tobacco cessation counseling (including CMS requirements, use of decision aids, etc.), and how to track and increase adherence to follow-up screening.
Part of the Lung Cancer Screening Webinar Series, now through Nov. 17. View the entire series here.
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July 28, 2021
11 am-12 pm
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Reducing the burden of cancer
for everyone.
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