Multilevel Mentorship Prepares Youth for the Oncology Workforce in Appalachian Kentucky.

Kentucky faces the highest age-adjusted overall cancer incidence rates and the second highest overall cancer mortality rates in the United States, with the eastern Appalachian Region of the state contributing significantly to this burden. As one of 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center is Kentucky's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. This designation is important for receiving the support necessary to fund programs that can further the cancer research, education, and community outreach opportunities for Kentuckians.

Educating and Retaining the Cancer-Focused Biomedical Workforce from Rural Appalachian Kentucky: The Impact of Experiential Learning and Scholarship Funding.

Kentucky postsecondary education levels are significantly below the national level, with lower levels in the Appalachian region of the state. Health disparities, including high cancer incidence and mortality, make educating and retaining students from the region a priority. The Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) program offers cancer-related experiential opportunities and scholarships to Appalachian students.

Impact of a Cancer Education Curriculum on Appalachian Kentucky Middle and High School Students.

Appalachian Kentucky is disproportionately affected by elevated cancer incidence and mortality rates. This disparity is driven by inequities in health behaviors and social determinants of health including decreased education attainment levels that cause lower health literacy. To increase cancer literacy in the region, a three-part cancer education curriculum was designed for Appalachian Kentucky middle and high school students.