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Strengthening Community Ties
A key to accelerating cancer control and research lies in fostering strong community partnerships. The University of Kansas Cancer Center-Masonic Cancer Alliance Community Advisory Board (CAB) stands at the heart of this mission, ensuring that the voices of Kansas and western Missouri are heard. By bringing together diverse community leaders, the CAB helps shape cancer research, outreach and education, making sure the cancer center’s efforts align with the unique needs and challenges of those it serves. Through this collaboration, the CAB is not just a sounding board, but a driver behind meaningful efforts at the cancer center.
Composed of representatives from various geographic areas, cancer experiences, racial/ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles across Kansas and western Missouri, the CAB informs the cancer center’s strategic initiatives, including research priorities, education and outreach efforts. The board’s input helps shape the center’s understanding of community concerns and guides its approach to addressing health disparities and improving cancer care across the region.
“In order to best serve our population, we must understand their needs,” says Ronald Chen, MD, MPH, chair of Radiation Oncology and associate director for health equity. “The CAB is a vital link to those communities, providing valuable insight that guides our work.”
A Broader Perspective
Peggy Johnson, executive director and chief operating officer of the Wichita Medical Research and Education Foundation, served as chair of the CAB from February 2024 through February 2025. Ms. Johnson, a 29-year advocate for cancer awareness and access to care, is also a triple-negative breast cancer survivor with decades of involvement in the cancer field. As a founding member of the cancer center’s Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together (PIVOT) program, she is a member of the education committee, guiding collaborative efforts between patients and researchers.
The CAB’s work goes beyond just giving feedback; we are actively shaping the future of cancer care and prevention in our communities. Peggy Johnson
CAB Chair, February 2024 - February 2025
“Two years ago, Dr. Chen gave a presentation to the CAB about cancer prevalence in the state, including breast, colon and prostate cancers. One thing that stood out was the link between obesity and cancer. I’ve been involved with Komen for years, but that conversation made me shift my focus from just breast cancer to a broader perspective on all cancers,” Ms. Johnson explains. “Obesity is a growing issue, especially in certain populations, and the CAB recognized this as a priority. I’m proud that we helped bring attention to this issue, and it’s now one of our focus areas.”
These conversations serve as a wellspring for research ideas. Last summer, cancer center researchers, in partnership with CAB members, launched the Healthy Living campaign, designed to educate and inform multicultural and rural audiences about the connection between obesity and cancer. In Kansas, the obesity rate is nearly 36%. Obesity is linked with a higher risk of developing 13 types of cancer, making this initiative crucial for public health.
Spreading Awareness
In addition to shaping priorities like obesity, the CAB is also responsible for spreading awareness about the cancer center’s National Cancer Institute comprehensive designation. The CAB also helps identify and select locations for cancer screenings, ensuring that critical services reach underserved populations.
Moreover, members of the CAB assist in reviewing community grant applications, providing valuable insights into funding decisions. Their input extends to reviewing and shaping materials, including social media content, marketing collateral and materials for various campaigns, ensuring these resources effectively communicate important health messages to the community.
“The CAB’s work goes beyond just giving feedback; we are actively shaping the future of cancer care and prevention in our communities,” says Ms. Johnson.