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Spotlight on Lilian Fonseca, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, Cancer Support Community Arizona
At the Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ), the mission is clear: no one should face cancer alone. Lilian Fonseca, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, is leading these efforts to ensure that individuals and families navigating cancer have access to compassionate, comprehensive, and culturally responsive care.
CSCAZ offers a wide range of evidence-based programs, including support groups, wellness classes, educational workshops, and social connection opportunities. Specialized services are also available for teens and Spanish-speaking families, helping to ensure that support is accessible across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
This year, CSCAZ launched a preventive health initiative focused on colorectal cancer, distributing free at-home screening kits and educational resources to communities that have historically faced systemic barriers to care. This initiative reflects CSCAZ’s commitment to meeting people where they are and addressing gaps in early detection and health education.
A Meaningful Partnership with Mayo Clinic
CSCAZ’s collaboration with Mayo Clinic’s Community Outreach and Engagement in Research Services (COERS) began with a shared vision: to elevate community voices in research and improve access to care for populations that have been historically excluded or overlooked in traditional healthcare systems.
“What drew me to Mayo Clinic was their intentional approach to community engagement,” Fonseca shared. “They don’t just invite input—they value it as essential to meaningful scientific progress.”
Together, CSCAZ and Mayo Clinic have worked on several impactful initiatives, including the Breast Cancer Education Intervention (EBI) and the MICEO materials evaluation. These projects emphasized the importance of culturally relevant health communication and demonstrated how community-informed design can improve understanding, trust, and outcomes among cancer survivors.
Community Voices in Research
As a member of COERS’ Community Advisory Board (CAB), Lilian Fonseca plays a vital role in shaping research priorities and outreach strategies. “I see myself as a connector and advocate,” she says. “My role is to ensure that the lived experiences of our community members inform the research process from the very beginning.”
This collaborative model helps ensure that studies are not only scientifically rigorous but also grounded in real-world relevance—ultimately leading to more inclusive and impactful outcomes.
Why These Partnerships Matter
Fonseca believes that partnerships between community-based organizations and academic institutions are essential for building trust and creating lasting change.
“Community organizations bring deep insight into the cultural, emotional, and logistical challenges people face,” she explains. “When we combine that with the innovation and expertise of research institutions, we can co-create solutions that are both effective and meaningful.”
Get Involved
For community leaders and organizations interested in partnering with Mayo Clinic’s efforts, Fonseca offers this advice: “Lead with curiosity and authenticity. Approach collaboration as a relationship, not just a project. Be clear about your community’s strengths and needs, and don’t hesitate to advocate for co-creation.”
If you or your organization would like to collaborate, refer someone for support, or learn more about CSCAZ’s programs, you can reach Lilian Fonseca directly at lfonseca@cscaz.org or visit www.cscaz.org.
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