Three $50,000 grants available for data-driven solutions to care disparities with focus on community-based grassroots approaches; initial proposals due Sept. 23
August 16, 2022 - Female breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in the US, and disparities in screening, diagnosis, and treatment disproportionately impact women of color. Black women are 41 percent more likely to die of breast cancer and three times more likely to be diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer compared to white women.
The Preparedness and Treatment Equity Coalition (PTEC) is seeking research proposals from organizations looking to study breast cancer care disparities. The program will provide three grants of $50,000 each for studies that specifically identify inequities and offer data-driven solutions, with particular attention paid to proposals which involve patient advocacy organizations and apply a community-based approach to their research.
Two-page concept proposals are due Friday, September 23, with full proposals due Friday, November 18. Additional details about the call for proposal and how to apply can be found here.
The research grants are sponsored by Gilead Sciences. PTEC is overseeing the selection and distribution of the grants, and may provide access to data services through an agreement with Gilead Sciences for
well-qualified research teams. Those interested in accessing the dataset must declare interest as part of the brief proposal.
PTEC Director of Research Cyrena Gawuga notes that while the existence of breast cancer care inequities is well established through research, the resulting disparities are more complicated to address and require unique, thoughtful approaches.
“We strongly encourage smaller patient advocacy and community-based groups to apply, as we believe grassroots research may offer unique solutions that target the systemic challenges we face,” Gawuga says. “Black women in particular are more likely to develop breast cancer before age 60, and subtypes such as triple negative breast cancer affect women of color at higher rates. We hope the research generated by this grant program helps us collectively address disparities, enabling a more responsive, patient-centered health care system for all.”
Proposals must examine systemic racism as a cause of inequity, with a focus on breast cancer in the US. Other intersectional factors that may increase inequity, such as age, disability, and cultural insensitivity, can be examined as part of the study. Applicants must be teams comprised of research institutions (academic or nonacademic), healthcare providers, and/or community-based partners. Individual researchers are not eligible.
About The Preparedness and Treatment Equity Coalition (PTEC)
The Preparedness and Treatment Equity Coalition (PTEC) brings together multi-sector stakeholders to advance health equity through more effective use of diagnostic tests, medicines, vaccines, and supportive care. The coalition is focused on developing evidence to guide health system delivery and payment reform. Visit the PTEC website to learn more.
Contact: Cyrena Gawuga, PTEC Director of Research, cyrena@ptechealth.org