Enhancing life after cancer in diverse communities.

BACKGROUND Although large numbers of cancer survivors exist in every community, including minority communities, there is a significant gap in knowledge about best practices for these patients. METHODS The Community Networks Program, funded by the National Cancer Institute Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities, has developed and tested unique services for these communities. These programs have used community-based participatory research techniques under a framework of diffusion of innovation and communications theory. RESULTS This article describes some specifically tailored interventions that may be useful to a wide range of providers working with the underserved. CONCLUSIONS Enhancing life after cancer can be achieved in underserved communities by supplementing local resources.