BEAT Cancer Study
Colon Cancer is: Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable.
The BEAT Cancer study – for Black Equity, Access, and Testing for Cancer – was a community-engaged, multi-sector partnership that aimed to improve colon cancer screening for the African American community in North Omaha. Through this research, we demonstrated effective strategies to reduce racial disparities in colon cancer and promote equity with evidence-based methods. Although the study has ended, the dedication to accessible colon cancer screening continues through our partners at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Mrs. Juanita Thomas' Story
"With the support from The UNMC Beat Cancer Team, I was able to get eight polyps removed."
Colon Cancer Facts
Colorectal Cancer, also known as "Colon Cancer," is a cancer that occurs in the lower intestine where your food is digested. Sometimes abnormal cells, called polyps, can grow and may turn into cancer.
Contact Us
Learn more about our principal investigator, Jungyoon Kim, PhD and how to contact her for any questions. Alternatively, you can email us with the button below or call 402-552-7235.
In the News
Dr. Kim and ‘BEAT Cancer’ initiative receive prestigious award
UNMC’s Jungyoon Kim, PhD, received a top honor from the American Public Health Association for her groundbreaking “BEAT Cancer” project to expand colorectal cancer screening in the African American community.
Keyonna King on Public Health Disparities in Omaha and UNMC's BEAT Cancer Study
King is a co-investigator in UNMC’s BEAT Cancer study. BEAT Cancer, which stands for Black Equity, Access and Testing for Cancer, seeks to increase colorectal cancer screening and decrease mortality rates related to the disease in Omaha’s Black community.
Researchers handing out colon cancer test kits at DMV as part of innovative clinical trial
Earlier this year, Juanita Thomas, 63, went to her local Department of Motor Vehicles to register a car. For Thomas — a retired housekeeper, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother in Omaha, Nebraska — cancer was the last thing on her mind that day.
Study addressing colorectal screening in African American community
With significant risks of colorectal cancer affecting the African American community, researchers in the UNMC College of Public Health are undertaking a study that will get screening kits out into the community.
BEAT CANCER-New Community Partnership Seeks to Increase Colon Cancer Screenings in North Omaha
African Americans are at much higher risk of being diagnosed and dying from colon cancer. These rates are similar here in Nebraska and more specifically North Omaha where the highest portion of Black Nebraskans reside.
Our Partners
This research is being funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Evidence for Action Program. The funding agency had no role in the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or the decision to publish the results.
IRB# 115-23-EP