Bridging Gaps in Cancer Care with AI
A Black-owned healthcare technology startup, CancerIQ, has secured $14 million in funding. The company aims to revolutionize cancer care by using AI technology for early detection and prevention.
CancerIQ’s co-founders, Dr. Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Olopade and her daughter Feyi Olopade Ayodele, are on a mission to address disparities in cancer screening and risk assessment.
“CancerIQ’s vision is to end cancer as we know it by eliminating health disparities and democratizing access to the latest advances in cancer early detection and prevention,” Ayodele said.
The funding round, co-led by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and Amgen Ventures, showcases industry support for CancerIQ’s groundbreaking approach. With plans to hire 50 new team members, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.
Personalized Risk Assessments for Improved Outcomes
CancerIQ’s precision health platform leverages AI to assess an individual’s cancer risk based on factors like genetics and family history.
The platform then connects patients with personalized care plans, ranging from screenings to lifestyle interventions. This innovative approach aims to address the barriers that often lead to late cancer diagnoses, particularly among underserved communities.
“We started by making genetic testing more accessible and connecting patients to the right preventive services at the right time,” Ayodele stated.
The pandemic exacerbated the problem, with millions missing crucial cancer screenings. CancerIQ’s solution offers a path to improve outcomes by providing tailored care plans and promoting early detection.
Reducing Disparities in Cancer Care
Democratizing Access to Advanced Cancer Detection
Black women continue to face significant disparities in cancer care, often due to limited access to healthcare. This results in later diagnoses and poorer outcomes compared to their white counterparts. CancerIQ is determined to bridge this gap by democratizing access to the latest advances in cancer early detection and prevention.
“CancerIQ’s vision is to end cancer as we know it by eliminating health disparities and democratizing access to the latest advances in cancer early detection and prevention,” Ayodele emphasized.
The company’s precision health platform has already been implemented at over 180 locations nationwide, demonstrating its commitment to making a tangible difference in cancer care.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Impact with New Funding
With the recent $14 million funding, CancerIQ is poised to further its mission of bridging gaps in cancer screening and risk assessment. The funding will enable the company to expand its reach and continue developing its AI-powered platform, ensuring more individuals have access to personalized, proactive cancer care.
As highlighted in a recent report from the President’s Cancer Panel, addressing disparities in cancer care is crucial. CancerIQ’s innovative approach, backed by industry giants like Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and Amgen Ventures, holds great promise in revolutionizing cancer care and improving outcomes for all.
