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About
About

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the UMass Cancer Center is committed to providing exceptional patient care, conducting cutting-edge research at the highest level, offering excellence in education and training, and serving as an educational resource and advocate for the Central Massachusetts community.
Patients
Patients

Expert Cancer Care in Central Massachusetts

We offer comprehensive cancer care for all childhood and adult cancers, combining state-of-the-art treatments with compassionate support for patients and their families.
Clinicians
Research
Research

Cutting-Edge Cancer Research

We carry out front-line research in basic, translational, clinical and population-based discovery to find newer, better methods for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Education
Education

World Class Medical and Scientific Education

The UMass Cancer Center is dedicated to training the next generation of cancer researchers, clinicians and physician-scientists.
Outreach
Michael Green Memorial
Michael Green Memorial

UMass Chan lost one of its greats when Michael R. Green, MD, PhD, passed away unexpectedly in February 2023. We've established these web pages in his memory so our visitors can take a few minutes, from time to time, to peruse and remember him.

Donate to the The Michael R. Green, MD, PhD, Award in Graduate Research:

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Additional Resources

Maira A. Castaneda-Avila, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences/Division of Epidemiology, UMass Chan Medical School

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Maira Castaneda-Avila, PhD

Research Focus - Cancer Epidemiology - Cancer Health Disparities

Addressing disparities in cancer outcomes, with a specific emphasis on colorectal cancer, HPV-related cancers, and hematological malignancies.
Investigating the impact of multiple chronic conditions on cancer screening, cancer treatment decisions and outcomes within underserved populations to ensure evidence-based care for individuals with complex health profiles.
Employing a research approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing cancer register data merge with claims data, as well as publicly available datasets.
Developing technology-driven solutions to enhance communication and care coordination for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Representative Publication

Castaneda-Avila MA, Oyinbo AG, Epstein MM, et al. Trends and Factors Associated with Fecal Occult Blood Test Utilization among Hispanic Adults in Puerto Rico and the United States: BRFSS 2012-2020. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2023;16(4):229-237.

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