Cheryl Prescod, a health-care administrator with a decade of experience, has observed the challenges faced by Black Canadians within the Canadian health-care system due to its generalized approach. Serving as the executive director at the Black Creek Community Health Centre in Toronto’s Jane and Finch area, Prescod caters to a diverse clientele, including a significant number of Black and racialized individuals who struggle to access culturally respectful and safe health care.
Black Canadians are disproportionately affected by specific illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and triple-negative breast cancer. To address this disparity, a groundbreaking initiative called the genCARE project is set to commence on February 1. Researchers from Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia aim to analyze the genomes of over 10,000 Black Canadians with these diseases and individuals without underlying medical conditions. The project, funded by Genome Canada, seeks to guide targeted treatment and preventive care strategies for more equitable and anti-racist health outcomes.
Prescod emphasized the importance of including Black individuals in genetic studies, as less than five percent of global research incorporates data from this demographic. She anticipates that the genCARE project’s outcomes will enhance her ability to assist patients in managing their health conditions effectively.
Dr. Upton Allen, the administrative lead of the genCARE project, envisions a future where patients’ genetic makeup and other factors are considered in diagnosis and treatment, known as precision medicine. Overcoming historical discrimination against Black communities is a crucial challenge for the project, which aims to recruit thousands of participants.
Dr. Gavin Oudit, a cardiology professor at the University of Alberta, praised the genCARE initiative for its potential to enhance disease predictions, diagnosis, and treatment. He highlighted the inadequacy of genomic databases, particularly in representing racialized populations, which hinders accurate genetic testing for individuals of Black or Indigenous backgrounds.
To build trust and ensure ethical practices, researchers plan to anonymize DNA data, store it securely in Canada, and engage with community members through events like town halls. The recruitment strategy includes collaboration with community health centers, doctors’ offices, and hospitals, with plans to extend participation to children in the future.
While the benefits of the genCARE project may not be immediate for participants, Prescod remains optimistic about the long-term impact on future generations. She emphasized the significance of inclusivity in research efforts, stressing that it is never too late to strive for more equitable health outcomes.