In her decade-long tenure as a healthcare administrator, Cheryl Prescod has observed firsthand the challenges faced by Black Canadians within the healthcare system due to a one-size-fits-all approach. Serving a diverse population at the Black Creek Community Health Centre in Toronto’s Jane and Finch area, Prescod caters to a significant number of Black and racially diverse individuals who express difficulties in accessing healthcare that aligns with their cultural beliefs.
Black individuals are disproportionately affected by diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and triple-negative breast cancer. To address this disparity, a new initiative called the genCARE project, funded by Genome Canada, is set to commence on February 1. The project aims to analyze the genetic profiles of over 10,000 Black Canadians with these specific diseases, as well as individuals without underlying medical conditions. The project leaders anticipate that the study’s outcomes will guide targeted treatment strategies and promote equitable health outcomes.
Prescod emphasized the importance of including Black individuals in genetic studies, highlighting that less than five percent of global genetic research involves data from Black populations. She hopes that the genCARE project’s results will empower her to better assist her patients in managing their health conditions effectively.
The primary objective of genCARE, as explained by Dr. Upton Allen, is to incorporate a patient’s genetic information and other relevant factors into their diagnosis and treatment plan, a concept known as precision medicine. This approach seeks to enhance understanding of disease development, severity discrepancies, and the design of tailored treatments.
Overcoming the historical mistrust stemming from discrimination against Black individuals within the healthcare system poses a significant challenge for researchers involved in the genCARE project. Dr. Allen, also an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, acknowledges the importance of building trust with potential participants, especially within the Black community, to achieve the project’s recruitment goals.
The initiative has garnered support from experts like Dr. Gavin Oudit, a cardiology professor at the University of Alberta, who praises genCARE for its potential to enhance disease prediction, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes. Oudit noted the deficiency in genomic databases concerning racialized individuals, leading to inaccurate genetic testing results among Black and Indigenous populations.
To ensure data accuracy and community trust, researchers plan to anonymize DNA samples, securely store the information in Canada, and engage with participants through information-sharing events. Community engagement strategies, such as utilizing local ambassadors and hosting educational sessions, are vital in fostering trust and participation in the project.
Recruitment efforts for the genCARE project will target participants from community health centers, doctor’s offices, and hospitals, with plans to expand inclusion to children in the future. While immediate benefits may not be evident, Prescod remains optimistic that the project’s outcomes could positively impact future generations, underscoring the importance of inclusive research initiatives like genCARE.