Improving cancer care for marginalized communities in Chicago
Official title: Advancing Innovations in Patient Navigation and Implementation Science to Address Structural Racism and Social Determinants of Health
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10929046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to improve cancer care for Black, Latinx, and low-income Chinese communities in Chicago by finding better ways to help patients navigate the healthcare system and overcome barriers caused by racism and social challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,126,943 |
| NIH project number | 1U19CA291404-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from Black, Latinx, and low-income Chinese communities in Chicago who are affected by cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of these demographic groups or those not facing significant barriers to cancer care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing cancer health inequities faced by Black, Latinx, and low-income Chinese communities in Chicago. It aims to enhance cancer patient navigation interventions by integrating advanced strategies that tackle structural racism and social determinants of health. By collaborating with community organizations, the project seeks to develop and test innovative approaches that empower navigators to facilitate better access to cancer care and improve patient outcomes. The methodology includes leveraging technology and community insights to create a more effective cancer care delivery system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer care access and outcomes for marginalized populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that patient navigation can effectively reduce barriers to care, indicating a promising foundation for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simon, Melissa a. — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Simon, Melissa a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
-
Making HIV prevention and care easier for Ugandan youth
A Ugandan study is testing ways to help adolescents and young adults (15–24) prevent HIV and stay healthy, using long-acting PrEP and youth-friendly services.
-
Innovative HIV Prevention and Care Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults in Uganda
A Ugandan research team is testing practical, youth-focused strategies to help 15-24 year-olds using HIV prevention or treatment services stay healthy and engaged in care.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Resilient HIV Implementation for LGBTQ Youth in Africa and Beyond
A program to help young people ages 15–24 who are at risk for or living with HIV, especially sexual and gender minority youths, access better HIV prevention and care through real-world health practice improvements.
-
Regional hub to speed up ending HIV with practical science
A regional collaboration will translate proven HIV interventions into real-world practice to reduce new infections across priority areas.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.