A Region of Rich Diversity
The Catchment Area is home to people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. It includes a significant share of Wisconsin’s racial and ethnic minority populations, along with many of the state’s rural residents.
- 75% of Wisconsin’s racial and ethnic minority population
- 85% of Wisconsin’s Black or African American population
- 74% of Wisconsin’s Hispanic population
- 74% of Wisconsin’s American Indian or Alaska Native population
- 40% of Wisconsin’s rural population
Spanning 29 Counties
Ashland • Brown • Calumet • Door • Florence • Fond du Lac • Forest • Iron • Kenosha • Kewaunee • Langlade • Manitowoc • Marinette • Menominee • Milwaukee • Oconto • Oneida • Outagamie • Ozaukee • Racine • Sawyer • Shawano • Sheboygan • Vilas • Walworth • Washington • Waukesha • Waupaca • Winnebago
Working for Healthier Communities
Building Stronger Connections
The Cancer Center works closely with residents, local organizations and community leaders to understand what matters most to them. These relationships help guide programs and outreach efforts that respond to the interests and concerns of the people we serve.
Reaching More People
From mobile cancer screenings to education programs and local events, the Cancer Center works to make information and services easier to access. By reaching people in their own communities, these efforts help more individuals and families take steps to protect their health.
Exploring How Place Matters
MCW researchers look at how the places people live, the environments around them and their everyday circumstances affect their experiences with cancer. By studying these connections, they're working to understand why disparities exist and find better ways to address them.
Research With Local Impact
Behind every study is a story about people, the challenges they face and the questions researchers are working to answer. Here are a few examples of that work happening at MCW.
Studying Environmental Health in Tribal Communities
MCW researchers are working with Tribal organizations in the Great Lakes region to study environmental exposures and their effects on health. Their work includes developing resources that help communities make informed decisions about fish consumption while respecting traditional foods and practices
Examining Cancer Screening Disparities
Cancer screening rates and experiences differ among transgender and gender-diverse people. Cancer Center researchers are examining screening patterns across this population to better understand gaps in preventive care and opportunities to improve access.
Understanding Differences in Breast Cancer Outcomes
Black women face disparities in breast cancer outcomes, including cardiovascular complications following treatment. Through research such as DECODE Heartland, Cancer Center investigators are studying these differences and whether exercise can help protect heart health during and after breast cancer treatment.