Cheryl Prescod, a health-care administrator with a decade of experience, has observed firsthand how Black Canadians can feel marginalized by the one-size-fits-all approach of the national health-care system. Serving a diverse community at the Black Creek Community Health Center in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighborhood, Prescod encounters a significant number of Black and racialized individuals who struggle to access culturally sensitive health care.
Certain diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and triple-negative breast cancer, disproportionately affect Black individuals. To address this disparity, researchers from Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia are commencing the genCARE project on February 1. This initiative aims to study the genomes of over 10,000 Black Canadians with these conditions, as well as those without any underlying medical issues, to identify personalized treatment options and promote equitable health outcomes.
Dr. Upton Allen, leading the project funded by Genome Canada, anticipates that integrating genetic information into diagnosis and treatment, known as precision medicine, could enhance understanding of disease mechanisms and tailor therapies more effectively. Overcoming historical distrust in medical institutions among Black communities presents a challenge in recruiting participants for this groundbreaking research.
Dr. Gavin Oudit, a cardiology professor at the University of Alberta, emphasizes the importance of addressing the inadequacy of genomic databases with limited data from racialized populations. By fostering trust, maintaining data security, and engaging community members through informative events, the researchers aim to collect valuable genetic insights that can benefit future generations.
As the genCARE project progresses, recruitment efforts will extend to community health centers, doctors’ offices, and hospitals, with plans to involve children in subsequent phases. While immediate benefits may not be realized, Prescod envisions the long-term impact of this research on future generations, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and timeliness in advancing health equity for all.
