Improving cancer diagnosis for patients who face delays
ACHIEVING BETTER CANCER DIAGNOSIS (ABCD): Identifying, supporting, and learning from marginalized patients who experience delayed cancer diagnosis
This project works with people who experienced delayed cancer diagnoses—especially those from marginalized groups—to learn what went wrong and create better ways to catch cancer earlier and support affected patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180076 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be invited to share your experience with a delayed cancer diagnosis and, if willing, help the team review medical records and timelines to identify missed signs. The project brings together a Diagnostic Center of Excellence that convenes national experts, learns directly from patients, and looks at system factors like insurance, language barriers, and racism. The team will use patient stories, case reviews, and expert feedback to design supports, clearer communication, and safety practices to reduce future delays. The project also aims to create transparent reporting and resources so patients and clinicians can address diagnostic problems more openly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people diagnosed with cancer who believe their diagnosis was delayed—especially patients from marginalized communities, those with language barriers, inadequate insurance, or who experienced barriers to timely care.
Not a fit: People without a history of delayed diagnosis or those not willing to share medical records or personal experiences are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help reduce future diagnostic delays, improve support for patients who experienced delays, and make care safer and more transparent.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has documented system factors linked to delayed cancer diagnosis but few projects have centered patient voices or created a national Diagnostic Center of Excellence, making this approach relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schiff, Gordon David — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Schiff, Gordon David
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 below.