News from the Wisconsin Cancer Collaborative | March 2022
New guidance on COVID-19 vaccination: How it impacts people with cancer
The COVID-19 vaccine schedule recently changed. How does this impact people with cancer? Here is what you need to know.

What has not changed:
What has changed:

Shorter interval for booster shots.
  • Adults who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should get a COVID-19 booster shot three months after their third dose, instead of the previous interval of five months.

No waiting period after monoclonal antibodies.

Third dose for immunocompromised children.
  • Children ages 5-11 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine 28 days after their second shot. 

Preference for mRNA vaccines over Johnson and Johnson.

New 8-week interval does not apply to immunocompromised patients.
  • The CDC recently announced a new 8-week interval option between first and second shots for some people ages 12 and older (especially males ages 12-39 who may be at highest risk of myocarditis, a rare complication affecting the heart).
  • Most people should follow the original 3- or 4-week interval between first and second doses, including: people who are immunocompromised, adults ages 65 and older, children under 12, and other people who need rapid protection related to community transmission or risk of severe disease.
COMING SOON!
People with cancer may have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Our upcoming FAQ offers evidenced-based answers.
Share these life-saving resources during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Thanks to national and state proclamations, March 2022 is officially Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Colorectal cancer can be a devastating disease. Screening guidelines were recently updated to help find these cancers earlier, when they can be easier to treat. Adults ages 45 and older now need to be screened for colorectal cancer.

Many people may not know they're eligible for colorectal cancer screening. Throughout March, you can share important messages about colorectal cancer screening, cancer prevention, and early detection.

We’ve curated a round-up of resources to support your colorectal cancer awareness activities:
Blue Beads Day, March 24th
This national campaign from the American Indian Cancer Foundation raises awareness of colorectal cancer across Indian County. Learn more and download their Blue Beads Day toolkit.

George Washington University Colorectal Cancer Awareness Tools
This helpful online toolkit from GWU includes resources, data, tips for communicating about colorectal cancer, and best practices for communicating with diverse audiences.

Go #BlueForCRC!
The Colon Cancer Coalition, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and the American Cancer Society invite you to go BLUE this March, by lighting landmarks in blue to promote colorectal cancer awareness. Learn more and submit your health center, organization, or landmark today!

Cancer Screening and COVID-19
Many people have postponed or skipped cancer screenings during the pandemic. Share our Cancer Screening social media messages to help people get back on track with their cancer screenings. Find more COVID-19 and Cancer resources on our website.
National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT)
NCCRT is a national coalition of supporters and advocates dedicated to reducing the incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer in the US. NCCRT curates an extensive resource center and encourages organizations from across the country to join the more than 1,700 groups that have signed the 80% in Every Community pledge.

FightCRC
FightCRC is a national patient empowerment and advocacy organization that provides balanced and objective information on colorectal cancer research, treatment, and policy. Learn more about their work, events, and download their toolkit and factsheets.

Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA)
CCA is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer. They empower allies to support patients, families, caregivers, and survivors; raise awareness of preventive measures; and help support critical research. CCA offers financial assistance programs to help cover screening and/or treatment costs.
Want to know more?
Our Outreach Team has a lot of experience with health education, promotion, and quality improvement strategies that can increase colorectal cancer screening rates. We would be thrilled to talk with you about incorporating colorectal cancer awareness or screening activities into your work. Connect with us to learn more!
Helping people reduce their risk of cancer is an important part of the Wisconsin Cancer Plan 2020-2030.
CMS expands eligibility for lung cancer screening
More people with Medicare will be eligible for lung cancer screening, thanks to a new decision from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The decision, announced Feb. 10, lowers the starting age for lung cancer screening from 55 to 50 years, and reduces the tobacco smoking history from at least 30 pack-years to at least 20 pack-years. Both of these changes are in line with the updated USPSTF guideline released last March.
 
The only screening test currently approved for lung cancer is a technique called low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). An LDCT scan uses small amounts of radiation to take detailed images of the lungs. LDCT scans are relatively quick and not painful.
 
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in both Wisconsin and the nation. The decision to expand eligibility will improve health outcomes by helping to detect lung cancer earlier.

The decision also has important implications for racial equity in lung cancer care. Currently, people of color are less likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer early and are less likely to survive. Broadening access to lung cancer screening is one step toward reducing these disparities.

Learn more:
  • Visit the CMS website to read the announcement and the full decision.
  • If you or your organization is interested in lung cancer screening, please contact our team of Outreach Team to learn more!
Serving communities at highest risk of health-related inequities and increasing access to recommended cancer screenings are important parts of the Wisconsin Cancer Plan 2020-2030.
Program News
Announcing our 2022 Summit theme...
Join us for the 2022 Wisconsin Cancer Summit to explore the power of story across the cancer care continuum.

Learn how storytelling can empower patients and survivors, reduce provider burnout, inspire change, bring data to life, improve the health of our communities, and more!

Please save the date:

Oct. 19-20, 2022
Edgewater Hotel, Madison, WI

We will update our website with more information in the coming months!
New website feature: CEs and CMEs
We are excited to share that we're now curating CE and CME opportunities for members in our Member Resource Center!

To view this growing list, please visit the Member Resource Center and then select "Continuing Education/Continuing Medical Education" from the Resource Type menu.

If your organization develops or uses an existing CE or CME training related to cancer control, please let us know. We will be regularly adding new opportunities, so bookmark our Member Resource Center and check back often!
Call for COVID-19 resources in non-English languages
Help us update our COVID-19 and Cancer Resource Center by sharing your favorite COVID-19 vaccine resources that are written in non-English languages.

You can send resource details or get more information by emailing our Outreach Specialists Alexandria Cull Weatherer or Alex Faust.
How to request a free print copy of the Wisconsin Cancer Plan
We offer free print copies of the Wisconsin Cancer Plan 2020-2030 to all our members.

Please send an email to Tina Pap with your name, mailing address, and the number of copies you would like to receive.
Partner Announcements
A short list of funding opportunities, calls for proposals, and other news from our members and partners.

To submit an announcement for an upcoming newsletter, please email us.
FINANCIAL TOXICITY
Triage Cancer offers a free Insurance and Finance Intensive

Triage Cancer invites you to a free, virtual Insurance & Finance Intensive. This comprehensive certificate program was developed for oncology health care professionals and advocates on health and disability insurance and finances, to help patients and caregivers avoid financial toxicity.
 
Free contact hours/CEs will be available to nurses and social workers. Free PDCs will be available for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. All-day attendance is required in order to participate. 

Register for either March 31 OR April 26:
March 31, 2022
10am - 6pm CT
Please apply by March 21, 2022
April 26, 2022
9am - 5pm CT
Please apply by April 8, 2022
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Address COVID-19 vaccine barriers with community outreach funding from Wisconsin Health Literacy

This funding opportunity is for community organizations who aspire to bring equity to the vaccination process, by reaching out to counties and communities with low vaccination rates in Wisconsin. Application deadline: April 1, 2022

CANCER SCREENING
Improving cancer screening in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

In March 2021, the American Cancer Society created the ACS National Consortium to establish a collective national response to the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening and care. Consortium members identified nine recommendations for improving cancer screening and care in the United States. View the recommendations or download the full report.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship program offers chance to attend ASCO Annual Meeting

The Conquer Cancer Patient Advocate Scholarship Program provides scholarships for patient advocates to attend ASCO-sponsored Symposia and the ASCO Annual Meeting to learn about important advances in their areas of interest. Scholarships help cover travel, hotel, and registration expenses and are based primarily on financial need, advocacy experience, and current advocacy activities.

Applications will be accepted March 11-18. The application and eligibility criteria are available now for review.

Resources & Reports
Tobacco cessation 101 video series
American Lung Association
Strategies to improve HPV vaccine uptake in pre-teens and adolescents
National Academy for State Health Policy
Video: Raise awareness about HPV vaccination
Association of Immunization Managers
Watch the video (Click the link, then scroll down)
Don't delay mammography after COVID-19 vaccination
Radiology
Closing the gaps in cancer screening: Connecting people, communities, and systems to improve equity and access
President's Cancer Panel
Blog post: Why are so many women overdue for cervical cancer screening?
National Cancer Institute
Data Equity Community Forum
We All Count
Find more resources in our Interactive Resource Center.
Upcoming Events
WEBINAR
Crossroads of Exercise and Chemotherapy
Hosted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
March 10
11 am - 12 pm CT
WEBINAR
Let's Beat Colorectal Cancer: An Update for the Black Community
Hosted by the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists
March 10
7 - 8 pm CT
WEBINAR
Health Justice: In Tobacco Control

Hosted by the Center for Black Health & Equity
March 17
3 - 4 pm CT
WEBINAR
Using Technology to Improve Supportive Care for Cancer Survivors and their Family Caregivers

Hosted by the National Cancer Institute
March 22
1-2 pm CT
WEBINAR
What Proportion of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer is Potentially Preventable Based on Family History and Genetics?

Hosted by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
March 29
11 am - 12 pm CT
WEBINAR
Smoke-Free Tribal Housing Policies

Hosted by the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan's National Native Network with Indian Health Service Clinical Support Center
March 30
2-3 pm CT
TRAINING SERIES (CEUs available)
Mental Health in the Hmong Community

Hosted by the Hmong Institute
April 1, 8, 22, and 29
Pre-registration required
Find more events in our Member Events Calendar.
Add your upcoming events by emailing event details to Alex Faust.
Reducing the burden of cancer
for everyone.