Helping patients beyond treatment

Cancer experts estimate that ensuring access to high-quality care for all could prevent roughly 30% of cancer deaths.¹ One of the most significant barriers is the social determinants of health (SDOH). These non-medical factors, such as economic stability, education, living conditions, and government policies, affect a person’s care.

SDOH can make it harder for people, especially in rural areas, to get to cancer centers, join clinical trials, and receive supportive care. These barriers contribute to higher mortality rates, shorter survival times, and more aggressive types of cancer.²

To help fight these challenges, Exact Sciences partnered with Open Table to launch two new oncology-focused network tables. They mark the first time Open Table has focused on cancer care.

“Building supportive community-based connections that increase access to care is one of the next frontiers in cancer care innovation,” said Founder and CEO of Open Table Jon Katov. “The Network Table model connects community volunteers to the health care system in transformative ways—sharing our skills, networks, and resources to empower patients as they navigate care, family, and hope in difficult times.”

The two tables are located in the Glades region of Florida and the southwest corner of Virginia in Appalachia. Local clinics refer patients to tables, which are run by a coordinator and volunteers. The teams help with transportation, childcare, housing, and food – so patients can focus on getting the cancer care they need.

Exact Sciences will explore non-medical challenges these cancer patients experience and identify ways to support those needs.

“It is this type of innovation that brings home our commitment to improving health equity for cancer patients who need it most,” says Lead Patient Advocacy Manager, Precision Oncology, Tawanna Williams. “I am very grateful that we can do good work that helps people when they are most vulnerable.”

These pioneering cancer-focused tables begin a long-term commitment to addressing SDOH and strengthening communities.

References

1. Frick C, Rumgay H, Vignat J, et al. Quantitative estimates of preventable and treatable deaths from 36 cancers worldwide: a population-based study. Lancet Glob Health. 2023;11(11):e1700-e1712. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00406-0
2. Pinheiro LC, Reshetnyak E, Akinyemiju T, Phillips E, Safford MM. Social determinants of health and cancer mortality in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study. Cancer. 2022;128(1):122-130. doi:10.1002/cncr.33894