Mount Sinai's Tisch Cancer Institute has received substantial funding to launch a pioneering center dedicated to combating inequities in cancer care. This initiative seeks to revolutionize how cancer services are delivered, focusing on the unique needs of diverse communities across New York City. The new center will foster collaborative research efforts, empowering local residents to actively shape health solutions and drive meaningful change in cancer outcomes for all.
Advancing Health Equity Through Community Engagement
A significant grant of $4.08 million from the American Cancer Society has been awarded to The Tisch Cancer Institute, part of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This crucial funding will facilitate the establishment of the Cancer Health Research Center at Mount Sinai, a novel endeavor designed to address and diminish cancer-related health disparities prevalent throughout New York City. The Center's core mission is to serve as a beacon for community-centric research, specifically targeting inequities across the entire spectrum of cancer care, encompassing everything from prevention strategies to comprehensive end-of-life support. A primary objective is to conduct rigorous research focusing on community-engaged navigation, thereby confronting the multifaceted social determinants that influence health outcomes.
The newly formed Center will operate in close partnership with its dedicated community advisory board, alongside an expanding network of trained Community Scientists. This collaborative framework ensures that every research project undertaken is intrinsically shaped by the lived experiences and distinct requirements of local residents. Dr. Melissa Mazor, Co-Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at The Tisch Cancer Institute, expressed gratitude for the American Cancer Society's grant, emphasizing its role in enabling community-engaged research that directly addresses social determinants of health. This approach aims to yield solutions that genuinely reflect the priorities of the communities being served. Dr. Cardinale B. Smith, Principal Investigator of the initiative, highlighted the honor of conceptualizing the Center's vision and affirmed her continued collaboration with Dr. Mazor, who now assumes a leadership role. This steadfast commitment to community involvement and health equity is expected to ensure the Center's mission flourishes and generates a lasting positive influence.
Transforming Cancer Care Delivery and Research
A key objective of the newly established Cancer Health Research Center will be the formulation and execution of innovative cancer care delivery models. These models are specifically designed to be community-delivered, culturally and linguistically appropriate, and capable of dismantling structural barriers that impede access to care. The Center is committed to identifying, nurturing, and advancing both new and established postdoctoral and faculty investigators who are dedicated to cancer health research. Furthermore, it aims to enhance and empower community scientists, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to translate research findings into actionable outcomes. This concerted effort is geared towards reducing disparities and significantly improving cancer care for every individual residing in New York City.
Ramon Parsons, MD, PhD, Director of The Tisch Cancer Institute, emphasized that the American Cancer Society's grant represents a strong endorsement of Mount Sinai's efforts to directly confront cancer disparities. He articulated that the Cancer Health Research Center will not only be a hub for groundbreaking research but also a catalyst for reimagining the fundamental ways in which cancer care is provided within historically underserved communities. Dr. Parsons expressed pride in leading this national endeavor, which aims to forge more equitable and just outcomes for all patients, regardless of their location or background. The Center is poised to commence its work immediately, with the initial launch of three integrated research projects. These projects will be led by Jamilia Sly, PhD, Deborah Doroshow, MD, PhD, and Chris Woodrell, MD, MHS. The full scope of the Center's program is anticipated to unfold progressively over the coming months, promising a transformative impact on cancer care equity.