About Coos Fights Cancer
Coos Fights Cancer is a community-driven initiative by Coos Health Initiatives (CHI) dedicated to raising awareness about pancreatic cancer in Coos County. Through community outreach, research, and collaboration with local healthcare providers, we aim to provide residents with the knowledge and resources they need to understand their risks, recognize early symptoms, and access screening options.
Why pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer rates in Coos County are higher than both state and national averages, yet there is little information available about why this is the case. Many residents are unaware of key risk factors, early warning signs, and screening options. Additionally, Coos County lacks cancer advocacy organizations and patient navigators, making it even more difficult for individuals to find the support they need. Each year, an average of 18 people in our community lose their lives to pancreatic cancer.
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By providing easily accessible, trusted information, Coos Fights Cancer empowers residents to take action. Our long-term vision is to expand beyond pancreatic cancer, addressing other cancers through education, prevention, screening, and treatment resources.
Who this project serves
Coos Fights Cancer is a resource for the entire Coos County community.
While we especially aim to reach individuals over 45, we want everyone to have access to and share the life-saving information found on our website.
Coos Fights Cancer Goals
Together, we can create a more informed, proactive community in the fight against cancer. We will:
Increase Awareness
Help Coos County residents understand that early detection is key and that they have the power to take charge of their health.
Educate the Community
Share vital information about pancreatic cancer symptoms, risk factors, and steps to take for early detection.
Encourage Action
Provide recommendations for free genetic testing available in Oregon, symptom tracking, and speaking with healthcare providers.
Support Healthcare Providers
Offer concise, relevant pancreatic cancer resources to primary care providers in Coos County.
Expand Cancer Awareness Efforts
Lay the foundation for broader community health initiatives related to cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.
How we're reaching the community:
Our approach is based on direct community feedback. Through task force efforts and a local survey, we learned that residents prefer to receive health information through their healthcare providers, newsletters, and websites. In response, we created this website as a reliable hub for pancreatic cancer information, supplemented by newsletters available at:
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Southern Coos Multi-Specialty Clinic in Bandon
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The Coquille Tribeās Ko-Kwel Wellness Center in Coos Bay
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The content provided follows the American Gastroenterology Associationās Clinical Practice Update on Pancreatic Cancer Screening in High-Risk Individuals.
About Coos Health Initiatives (CHI)
Founded in 1989 as South Coast Rural Integrated Project Team (SCRIPT), Coos Health Initiatives has a long history of improving community health. Over the years, CHI has secured federal grants to expand healthcare services, fund community outreach programs, and address social determinants of health in Coos and Curry Counties.
In 2023, we rebranded as Coos Health Initiatives to better reflect our mission: empowering collaborative community action for better health outcomes.
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Learn More or Get Involved:
Our Funding
Coos Fights Cancer is made possible through the generous support of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program.
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First Grant ($10,000): Focused on planning a cancer task force to enhance collaboration among healthcare providers and stakeholders.
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Second Grant ($28,925): Funded the creation of this website and research on how residents can best access information.
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The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program is committed to fostering sustainable cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship programs throughout Oregon. Learn more about their work at their official website.
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Coos Fights Cancer is just the beginning. By working together, we can improve cancer awareness, enhance early detection, and build a healthier future for Coos County.
