Throughout her decade-long career as a health-care executive, Cheryl Prescod has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by Black Canadians within the country’s health system due to its one-size-fits-all approach.
As the executive director at the Black Creek Community Health Centre in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto, Prescod caters to a diverse population, including a significant number of Black and racialized individuals who often struggle to access healthcare that respects their cultural backgrounds and makes them feel safe.
Black individuals are disproportionately affected by specific illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and triple-negative breast cancer. To address this disparity, a research initiative called the genCARE project is set to kick off on February 1. This project, funded by Genome Canada, aims to sequence the genomes of over 10,000 Black Canadians with these diseases, alongside individuals with no pre-existing medical conditions.
The project leaders anticipate that the outcomes will guide targeted treatments and preventive measures, ultimately promoting more equitable and anti-racist health outcomes.
Researchers are embarking on a project to examine the genomes of 10,000 Black Canadians to gain insights into the predisposition to certain medical conditions.
“If we are not represented, we will not be considered,” remarked Prescod. “Our involvement is crucial in finding solutions.”
Prescod highlights that less than five percent of genetic studies worldwide incorporate data from Black individuals, potentially leading to findings that do not apply to this demographic. She is optimistic that the research outcomes will empower her to better assist her patients at Black Creek in managing their health conditions.
Dr. Upton Allen, the administrative lead of the genCARE project, envisions leveraging a patient’s genetic composition and other relevant factors for more personalized diagnosis and treatment, known as precision medicine.
“Understanding the reasons behind the occurrence and severity of these disorders can lead to tailored treatments,” stated Allen. “It could revolutionize the way we approach healthcare.”
Building Trust and Overcoming Challenges
Allen acknowledges the necessity of overcoming the deep-rooted mistrust within the Black community towards medical institutions, shaped by a history of discrimination. This mistrust poses recruitment challenges for a project that necessitates a substantial number of participants.
