Cheryl Prescod, a health-care administrator with a decade of experience, has observed how Black Canadians can feel overlooked by the health-care system’s generalized approach. Serving a diverse population at the Black Creek Community Health Centre in Toronto’s Jane and Finch area, Prescod encounters many Black and racialized individuals who struggle to access culturally respectful health care.
Certain diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and triple-negative breast cancer, disproportionately affect Black individuals. To address this disparity, a groundbreaking initiative called the genCARE project is set to commence on Feb. 1. Researchers from Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia will analyze the genomes of over 10,000 Black Canadians with these illnesses, aiming to enhance targeted treatment and preventive care for more equitable health outcomes.
Dr. Upton Allen, the project’s lead, funded by Genome Canada, anticipates that the findings will revolutionize precision medicine by considering genetic makeup and other factors during diagnosis and treatment. Overcoming a legacy of discrimination against Black people in medical institutions, Allen highlights the importance of recruiting thousands of participants for this pioneering project.
The genCARE project seeks to address the deficiency of genomic databases concerning racialized individuals, as noted by Dr. Gavin Oudit from the University of Alberta. By including more diverse data, the project aims to improve disease predictions, diagnoses, and treatments, particularly for Black and Indigenous populations.
To ensure trust and prevent harm, researchers will prioritize data anonymization and secure storage within Canada. Community engagement, like utilizing local ambassadors for outreach and education, will play a crucial role in building trust among participants. Although the immediate benefits may not be apparent, Prescod believes that the project’s outcomes could positively impact future generations, highlighting the importance of inclusive and targeted research initiatives.
