In her decade-long tenure as a health-care administrator, Cheryl Prescod has observed firsthand how Black Canadians can feel marginalized by the one-size-fits-all approach often seen in the Canadian health-care system. Serving as the executive director at the Black Creek Community Health Centre in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighborhood, Prescod caters to a diverse clientele, with a significant representation of Black and racialized individuals who struggle to access culturally respectful and safe health care.
Certain diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and triple-negative breast cancer, disproportionately affect Black individuals. To address this issue, researchers from Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia are set to commence the genCARE project on February 1. This initiative aims to genetically map over 10,000 Black Canadians with these specific conditions, along with individuals without underlying medical issues. Funded by Genome Canada, the project leaders hope that the outcomes will guide targeted treatment and preventive measures, fostering more equitable and anti-racist health outcomes.
Prescod emphasized the underrepresentation of Black people in genetic studies globally, estimating that less than five percent include data from this demographic. This lack of inclusivity in research may result in findings that do not apply to Black individuals. Prescod anticipates that the genCARE project’s results will enhance her ability to assist her patients at Black Creek in managing their health conditions effectively.
Dr. Upton Allen, the administrative lead of the genCARE project, envisions incorporating a patient’s genetic makeup and other factors into diagnosis and treatment, a concept known as precision medicine. This approach could shed light on why certain individuals are more susceptible to particular disorders and potentially lead to more tailored treatments.
Overcoming deep-rooted mistrust stemming from historical discrimination against Black people poses a challenge for researchers involved in the genCARE project. Dr. Allen highlighted the need to recruit thousands of participants, emphasizing that this initiative is singular in its focus on Black populations in Canada.
To address skepticism and build trust, researchers plan to anonymize DNA data, securely store it in Canada, and share study results with community members through events like town halls. Collaborative efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as community outreach by ambassadors, have been instrumental in fostering trust and engagement with the project.
Looking ahead, the genCARE project aims to recruit participants from community health centers, doctors’ offices, and hospitals, with plans to expand involvement to include children. While the potential solutions from genCARE may not yield immediate benefits for participants, Prescod remains hopeful that the project’s outcomes could positively impact future generations.