Scaling what works - a collaborative capacity-building program tailored to optimize resources and scale evidence-based interventions for cancer prevention and control

Sep 22, 2026

Purpose evaluates the Scaling What Works (SWW) program, designed to support scale-up of evidence-based cancer prevention and control interventions (CPC EBIs) across award recipients of the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP). SWW projects included Project ECHO and patient navigation, childhood risk-factor approaches for adult cancers, and increased ovarian cancer care. Methods use mixed methods with needs assessment, focus groups, information sessions, training, technical assistance, and pre/post surveys. Results show 89 participants across 40 awardees with improved confidence, satisfaction, and barrier progress. Conclusion supports tailored interactive capacity-building for long-term scale-up.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

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Introduction

Cancer Causes & Control (2026) 37:80 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-026-02160-1](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-026-02160-1) Scaling what works: a collaborative capacity‑building program tailored to optimize resources and scale evidence‑based interventions for cancer prevention and control Mary Wangen1 · Jingle Xu2 · Amy Tran1 · Elizabeth A. Rohan3 · Prajakta Adsul4,5 · Cam Escoffery6 · Renée M. Ferrari7,8 · Nikki Hayes3 · Cari Herington9 · Katie Jones10 · Jaron Hoani King11 · Julie Kranick12 · Alyssa LaMonica3 · Rebecca J. Lee1 · Meghan C. O’Leary13 · Malesa Pereira14 · Mary Puckett3 · Shixiu Ricardo3 · Rogelio Robles‑Morales15 · Kelly Smith16 · Lisa P. Spees17,7 · Amy Thompson9 · Stephanie B. Wheeler18 · Nathaniel Woodard19 · Alison T. Brenner20 · Rachel Hirschey21 Received: 20 May 2025 / Accepted: 20 March 2026 / Published online: 3 April 2026 © The Author(s) 2026 Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the Scaling What Works (SWW) program, which was developed to support the scale-up of projects that implement evidence-based cancer prevention and control interventions (CPC EBIs) across award recipients (hereafter,“awardees”) of the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP). SWW projects included (1) Project ECHO and patient navigation,(2) Addressing risk factors for adult cancers during childhood, and (3) Increasing receipt of ovarian cancer care from gynecologic oncologists. In this evaluation, we sought to understand how tailored training and technical assistance (TA) can facilitate the implementation of CPC EBIs in NCCCP settings. Methods We used a mixed-methods approach, comprising a needs assessment with focus groups and information sessions. Subsequent training and TA included a symposium and four virtual learning collaborative sessions. The evaluation included pre-and post-surveys to assess changes in participants’ confidence and satisfaction alongside qualitative feedback to refine the program. Results The SWW program reached 89 individuals across 40 NCCCP awardees. Participants reported significant improvements in their confidence to implement, adapt, and sustain EBIs, with increases observed in all domains assessed. Feedback from the symposium and learning collaborative sessions indicated high satisfaction and notable progress in addressing barriers related to EBI implementation. Conclusion The SWW program effectively addressed key challenges in scaling CPC interventions by providing tailored, interactive training and TA. Further engagement and continued capacity-building support are recommended to enhance the long-term impact of SWW across the NCCCP. The findings underscore the importance of investing in tailored, large-scale capacity-building to support the scale-up of evidence-based CPC approaches. Keywords Capacity building · Training · Technical assistance · Evidence-based interventions · National comprehensive cancer control programs · Peer learning · Mentorship · Learning collaboratives · Community of practice Introduction In the United States, preliminary registry data estimate that 1.97 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2023 [1], and where an estimated 18.1 million cancer survivors Mary Wangen, Jingle Xu, Alison T. Brenner and Rachel Hirschey co-first / senior author. Extended author information available on the last page of the article are also living [2] . Established in 1998, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) provides funding and public health guidance to 66 award recipients (hereafter,“awardees”) including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, eight U.S. territories and U.S.-affiliated Pacific Island jurisdictions, and seven organizations serving American Indian/ Alaska Native populations. NCCCP awardees help build and support local cancer coalitions with partners representing multisectoral organizations working toward implementation of jurisdiction-wide cance

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Scaling What Works (SWW) program?

It supports scaling up projects that implement evidence-based cancer prevention and control interventions across NCCCP awardees.

How did the study evaluate the SWW program?

It used a mixed-methods approach with needs assessment, focus groups and information sessions, followed by training and technical assistance, including surveys and qualitative feedback.

What outcomes did the evaluation report from participants?

Participants reported significant improvements in confidence to implement, adapt, and sustain evidence-based interventions, along with high satisfaction and progress in addressing implementation barriers.

Sep 22, 2026

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