Richmond-based Virginia Commonwealth University will establish a new research center focused on cancer equity with a five-year, $9 million National Cancer Institute grant.
The Virginia Advancing Cancer Control Equity Research Through Transformative Solutions Center will focus on health promotion and cancer prevention within income-based housing communities, according to a Dec. 15 news release from VCU.
Researchers from VCU's Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine and School of Public Health will collaborate with the Housing Collaborative Community Advisory Board and community leaders to develop initiatives that take into account the assets and needs of the communities they will serve, with the aim of enhancing health equity and well-being, the release said.
The VA-ACCERT Center is one of four similar projects across the U.S. funded by the NCI to address social determinants of health and reduce cancer disparities.