Objective:

This strategic partnership united corporations specifically Life Science sector, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and their communities to address cancer health disparities through education, prevention, early detection, and improved access to treatment and clinical trials. It leveraged grassroots initiatives, ambassadors, and targeted deliverables to create impactful communication and health interventions.

The Challenge:

Cancer disproportionately affects underrepresented populations, with significant health disparities evident in Black and Hispanic communities. Key statistics included:

• Black individuals experience the highest cancer death rates and shortest survival compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.
• Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanics, who also face the highest uninsured rates.
• Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, and access to healthy environments, account for 50% of health disparities.

Delayed cancer diagnoses and low screening rates for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers exacerbate these issues, particularly in underserved communities. Addressing these disparities of access could prevent approximately 200,000 deaths annually.

The Opportunity:

The initiative created a generational shift by mobilizing the collective influence of HBCUs and HSIs, potentially engaging over 4 million students, alumni, and families over a period of ten to 15 years. Key elements included and were intended to:

• Focus on the geographic overlap between these institutions and high-incidence cancer regions.
• Collaborate with 50 HBCUs offering health-related programs, enhancing opportunities for clinical trials, program development, and community engagement.
• Leveraging the unique reach of these institutions to improve cancer education, prevention, and care access within underserved populations.

By aligning resources and expertise, this partnership envisioned transformative impacts on health equity and cancer outcomes for marginalized communities.