Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) has announced a $10 million grant from Exact Sciences, a provider of cancer screenings and diagnostic tests, in support of efforts to improve colorectal cancer screening, early detection, and prevention across the United States.

The initiative will fund a 'Dream Team' of researchers and a comprehensive public awareness campaign focused on increasing the number of colorectal cancer screenings in medically underserved communities. To be launched in early 2021, the research component of the initiative will identify anchor institutions serving minority and medically underserved populations and investigate the unique needs in those communities with the aim of improving colorectal cancer screening rates. The campaign also will provide free testing in select areas and will fund fellowships for early-career investigators committed to studying health equity and disparities in colorectal cancer.

"We want people to understand that this disease is highly preventable and that a simple test can save lives," said SU2C chief executive Sung Poblete. "When it comes to screening for colorectal cancer, the best test is the test that gets done. People will always benefit from simple and accessible healthcare options, and at-home preventive care is particularly vital to keeping people healthy during the pandemic. Together with Exact Sciences, we're going to make this message mainstream, and our hope is that other collaborators, such as healthcare providers, community leaders, and advocacy groups, will join us in taking a stand against colorectal cancer."