**Background:** The 2022 International Cancer Education Conference late-breaking abstracts present a diverse array of research focused on cancer education, screening, and health disparities. The collection includes studies on cancer survivorship needs, screening barriers, educational interventions, and disparities affecting various populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, and rural communities. The overarching goal is to identify effective strategies to improve cancer outcomes through education and community engagement.
**Methods:** The abstracts employ a variety of research methods, including surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, literature reviews, and program evaluations. For example, the West Virginia Cancer Survivorship Needs Assessment Project used the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34 (SCNS) distributed online and via mail, with snowball sampling and qualitative interviews. The cervical cancer screening study in Ethiopia used focus group discussions and participatory free-listing and ranking activities. Other studies used narrative literature reviews, systematic reviews, and program evaluation surveys.
**Key Results:** Key findings include: (1) In West Virginia, 57.2% of cancer survivors reported moderate to high needs for fatigue, 45.5% for fear of cancer spreading, and 45.4% for concerns about close ones. Breast and lung cancer survivors had the greatest psychological needs, while hematologic and colorectal survivors had the greatest physical needs. (2) In Ethiopia, nine top factors influencing cervical cancer screening decisions were identified, including socioeconomic status, awareness, fear, and distance to screening location. (3) The West Virginia study found that 96% of respondents were white and 65% female, with breast cancer (24.4%) being the most common cancer type. (4) The Oregon 'War on Melanoma' trial reported a 15% fall in melanoma incidence attributed to a statewide ban on indoor tanning for minors. (5) The CAPAC program in Puerto Rico trained 51 participants over two years, with 88% satisfied with research activities and mentors, and 71% of master's-level trainees confident in applying for a doctoral degree within 5 years. (6) The Pathways to Cancer Prevention training certified 27 community health workers, who engaged 255 clients, with 62 enrolled in the electronic protocol.
**Clinical Implications:** These findings highlight the importance of tailored educational interventions and community-based programs to address cancer disparities. The high unmet needs among cancer survivors, particularly in rural areas, underscore the need for targeted supportive care resources. The identification of barriers to cervical cancer screening in Ethiopia can guide culturally appropriate interventions. The success of the Oregon melanoma education program and the CAPAC training program demonstrates the potential of statewide and structured educational initiatives. The Pathways program shows the feasibility of training community health workers to improve cancer screening in underserved populations. Overall, these studies provide evidence for developing and implementing cancer education programs that are culturally sensitive, community-driven, and focused on reducing health disparities.