ASL video support to improve cancer screening adherence
Official title: Using Community Health Navigators to Advance Cancer Screening Adherence through Videoconferencing for all Americans who use ASL: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study
Funded at Gallaudet University · NIH-11179483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project offers ASL-speaking community health navigators by videoconference to help Deaf Americans keep up with recommended cancer screenings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Gallaudet University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $957,649 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DC021718-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11179483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who use American Sign Language and are due for age-appropriate cancer screenings (such as breast or cervical screening) are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not use ASL, are under the study's age criteria, or are already up-to-date with recommended screenings may not benefit from the intervention.
What this research studies
You would meet with an ASL-proficient community health navigator over video who can explain cancer screening, help schedule appointments, and talk through barriers in clear sign language. Some participants will receive this navigator videoconference support while others receive standard information, and the study will compare who completes recommended screenings. The team enrolls adults who use ASL and follows screening outcomes for breast, cervical, and other age-appropriate cancer screens. The project is led by Gallaudet University and builds on earlier NIH-funded work with experts in cancer outcomes, public health, human factors, and computer science.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could raise cancer screening and follow-up rates among ASL users and help catch cancers earlier.
How similar studies have gone: Navigator programs have improved screening for hearing patients, and adapting them via ASL videoconferencing is newer but grounded in proven navigator models.
Where this research is happening
-
Gallaudet University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kushalnagar, Poorna — Gallaudet University
- Study coordinator: Kushalnagar, Poorna
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.