Vision Statement

Introduction

Health inequities, particularly in cancer, disproportionately affect minoritized and underserved populations. These disparities are characterized by higher cancer incidence, delayed diagnoses, aggressive disease progression, and poorer treatment outcomes in minority and underserved populations. Addressing these inequities is a complex challenge that demands innovative solutions rooted in a deep understanding of how genetic, environmental, social, and economic factors intersect to influence cancer development and outcomes. Achieving equity in cancer care is a key priority for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), as well as for communities seeking fair access to medical innovation. Michigan State University (MSU) is uniquely positioned to lead in fostering cancer health equity, drawing on deep expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, interdisciplinary collaborations, and strong community partnerships. As we integrate molecular insights with sociocultural contexts, we aim to create enduring, system-wide changes in cancer care delivery.

Vision

Our goal is to eliminate cancer health disparities and achieve equitable health outcomes through pioneering advancements in multidisciplinary collaborative research that acknowledges an important role for the basic sciences including biochemistry and molecular biology. The ultimate goal of this work is to positively transform cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for underserved and minority communities.

Mission

We aim to leverage Michigan State University's unique strengths in biochemistry and molecular biology, coupled with multidisciplinary expertise and strong community ties, we aim to:

• Uncover biochemical and molecular mechanisms driving cancer disparities
• Develop targeted treatments informed by molecular insights
• Collaborate with underserved and minority communities as partners in research
• Promote a diverse generation of scientists committed to health equity

These efforts collectively advance our vision of equitable cancer care and support national strategies to eliminate cancer health disparities.

Strategic Pillars

1. Molecular Mechanisms

• Uncover molecular factors contributing to cancer health disparities
  • Investigate unique genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications, and cellular behaviors that contribute to higher cancer incidence and mortality in underserved populations.
  • Elucidate how these molecular factors can be targeted to develop effective interventions.
• Explore how cancer biology interplays with other factors to result in cancer health disparities
  • Examine how fundamental cancer processes may be influenced by environmental exposures, socioeconomic status, and cultural factors.
  • Identify biochemical and molecular pathways that explain differences in cancer progression and treatment response, informing the development of holistic intervention strategies.

2. Epidemiological Patterns

• Characterize the molecular landscape of cancer in underserved and minority populations
  • Utilize advanced omics technologies – genomics, proteomics, metabolomics – to identify molecular signatures and biomarkers associated with cancer disparities.
  • Integrate molecular data with epidemiological studies to uncover factors driving differences in cancer incidence and outcomes.
• Translate molecular insights into interventions to reduce cancer health disparities
  • Develop and implement molecular diagnostics and personalized treatments tailored to the unique molecular profiles of cancers in underserved and minority populations.
  • Collaborate with healthcare providers to integrate these interventions into clinical settings, improving early detection and treatment outcomes.

3. Environmental Factors

• Investigate environmental impacts on cancer health disparities
  • Collaborate with communities to identify environmental toxins prevalent in underserved areas, such as pollutants like PFAS/PFOA and dioxins.
  • Study the molecular mechanisms by which these environmental exposures contribute to cancer development, informing risk reduction strategies.
• Explore dietary factors linked to cancer health disparities
  • Research how limited access to nutritious food and disparities in dietary patterns affect cancer metabolism and treatment efficacy.
  • Co-develop nutritional interventions with community partners to improve health outcomes.
• Influence environmental policies
  • Utilize research findings to advocate for policy changes that reduce environmental hazards in underserved communities.
  • Engage with policymakers and stakeholders to implement evidence-based environmental interventions.

4. Social Determinants

• Examine the molecular impact of social factors on cancer
  • Collaborate with social scientists to understand how stress, discrimination, and socioeconomic challenges affect cellular and biochemical processes related to cancer in minoritized and underserved populations.
  • Identify biochemical pathways through which these factors exacerbate cancer health disparities to inform comprehensive intervention strategies.
• Address effects of systemic biases at the molecular level
  • Identify molecular markers that reflect the impact of systemic biases on cancer development and progression.
  • Develop targeted interventions to mitigate these effects and improve cancer outcomes in underserved and minority populations.

Commitment to Community, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Foster Trust and Collaboration: Embrace participatory research models, ensuring community members guide research priorities.
• Enhance Diversity Among Researchers: Recruit and support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering a research environment rich in cultural competence and dedicated to health equity.
• Empower Through Education and Outreach: Offer educational programs and partner with community organizations to disseminate findings, build awareness, and support informed decision-making in cancer prevention and care.

Implementation

To achieve our goals, the CCHER is actively building capacity and engaging with communities:

• Building Capacity: Michigan State University is committed to ongoing recruitment of junior and senior faculty specializing in cancer processes to build a diverse team with a broad range of expertise. In 2023, we recruited Dr. Olorunseun Ogunwobi as Barnett Rosenberg Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He will also serve as Co-Director of CCHER. His research focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms of progression of solid organ cancers with established racial health disparities such as prostate cancer. Some of the main projects in his lab are characterizing the role and mechanisms of action of the non-protein coding gene, plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), in prostate cancer in males of African ancestry. In 2024 we recruited Dr. Jennifer Jacob as an Assistant Professor. Her research focuses on genetic variation and breast cancer. Ongoing searches for a co-director and junior-level hires further expand the Center's expertise. One junior-level recruit emphasizes outreach and engagement with Native American communities, addressing a historically underserved population with significant health equity challenges. These strategic hires and community relationships represent an ongoing, iterative commitment, ensuring that our team and approaches evolve as new insights emerge, both from the laboratory and from the communities we serve.
  
  
• Community Engagement: CCHER participants will learn from community contexts, engaging in visits, workshops, and discussions in diverse community-based settings. By continually interacting with community members, we strengthen trust, refine research priorities, ensure culturally relevant interventions, and lay the groundwork for sustainable, system-wide changes in cancer care. 

Measure and Evaluate Impact

• Set Clear Metrics and Key Performance Indicators: Establish quantifiable goals for fostering trust, enhancing diversity, and reducing disparities, evaluating progress at regular intervals.
• Adaptive Strategies: Remain flexible and responsive, adjusting strategies based on community feedback, research outcomes, and shifts in the healthcare landscape.
• Informing Policy and Practice: Translate research findings into guidance for clinicians, advocates, and policymakers, influencing local, regional, and national approaches to cancer health equity. Consider the introduction of a five-year milestone, such as developing a new molecular diagnostic tool for clinical evaluation in underserved communities.

Conclusion

The Center for Cancer Health Equity Research (CCHER) at Michigan State University is dedicated to transforming cancer outcomes for historically underserved populations. By combining the power of the basic sciences such as biochemistry and molecular biology with interdisciplinary innovation, community-led priorities, and cultural competence, we address the root causes of cancer disparities head-on. Our integrated approach bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and community well-being, shaping a future where equitable cancer care and prevention are realities for all. This work aligns with NIH/NCI priorities and supports national and global efforts to eliminate cancer health inequities. It also lays a foundation critical to Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences's aspirations to host an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. As we gain new molecular insights and community feedback, we will continuously refine our efforts, ensuring lasting, system-wide improvements in cancer care delivery.

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