The National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer II: Network Project was established in 2000, to create cancer control, prevention, and research and training programs for minority and underserved populations with the ultimate goal of raising cancer awareness, reducing cancer incidence and mortality, increasing cancer survival, and improving access to health care. The Project includes the implementation of three phases over a five-year funding period, targeting 23 densely populated African American, high prevalence cancer communities (HPCC). Phases of the Project are described below:

PHASE I - INFRASTRUCTURE-CAPACITY BUILDING
Phase I (Year 1) of NBLIC II will consist of a variety of cancer awareness activities developed and implemented by community groups working with private- and public- sector organizations. Outreach, education, and training efforts will focus on breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers - those with a disproportionate impact on African Americans. These cancer focus areas will be targeted with "Best Practices" and promoted through seminars, lectures, health-fairs, and other community events.

PHASE II - PARTNERSHIPS
Phase II (Years 2-3) will focus on the development of partnerships with National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers, academic institutions, and NCI Clinical Trials Cooperative Agreement Groups, to enhance minority participation in clinical trials. This phase will also address efforts to improve training opportunities for minority scientists, and generate new ideas for additional pilot projects.

PHASE III - GRANT APPLICATIONS
Phase III (Years 4-5) will be devoted to the utilization of information gained from the pilot projects developed in Phase II. This information will support investigator-initiated research grant applications, with process and outcome evaluations being conducted by the NBLIC II: Network Project.