Feeding the fight

Last summer, hundreds of Exact Sciences employees gathered for the Screening Summit, a week-long conference to share big ideas and get more people screened for cancer. But amidst the presentations, strategy sessions, and product fairs, there was a powerful pause. Teams dedicated hours of their time to address food insecurity, preparing hand-made lasagnas for families in Madison and decorating meal bags for cancer patients in Phoenix.  

These moments weren’t a break from their work—they were an essential part of it. At Exact Sciences, fighting cancer goes beyond research and diagnostics; it’s rooted in a philosophy where a healthy meal is fundamental to eliminating the disease for good. 

A holistic approach to eradicating cancer 
Fighting hunger goes hand in hand with fighting cancer. For people facing food insecurity, making sure there’s enough to eat every day often takes priority over less urgent things like routine cancer screenings. As a result, they may be diagnosed at a later stage, when treatment is less effective.¹ 

That’s why making sure everyone has access to healthy food is a key part of cancer care. It creates a positive cycle, connecting community, innovation, and patient care in a way that makes a lasting difference. 

Supporting vibrant communities 
The cycle of impact starts and ends with flourishing communities. By working to ensure access to nutritious meals, Exact Sciences helps communities focus on what they do best.  

“When individuals aren’t concerned about where their next meal is coming from, they’re primed to prosper—whether that’s by practicing self-care, pursuing their talents, or contributing to the greater good,” explains Stefanie Berg, Exact Sciences’ community and employee volunteer manager. 

In 2024, the company made food a central part of its community outreach efforts. Employees volunteered with local partners like The River Food Pantry, which distributes free groceries and meals to over 3,000 people across Dane County each week, and Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens, which grows fresh produce for food pantries. 

“The River could not meet our community’s rising need for food without support from generous partners like Exact Sciences,” says Rhonda Adams, executive director at The River. “We are thrilled with how our relationship continues to grow.” 

Fueling teams for innovation 
Exact Sciences leaders know that vibrant communities attract top talent, and well-fed employees are essential for driving innovation. That’s why its food initiatives aren’t just for communities in need, they’re for employees too. The company provides fresh meals at a subsidized cost to its Madison-based teams every day—including evenings and weekends. With the support of its on-site hydroponic farms, which grow leafy greens and herbs just 280 steps from the kitchen, Exact Sciences ensures that all meals are nutrient-dense and environmentally conscious.  

The company also supports the local economy by sourcing ingredients from nearby farmers. Working together, it grows complementary crops on-site, ensuring its hydroponic farms work in tandem with community farms. 

“Food is medicine,” says Executive Chef Cole Ersel. By offering a variety of meal options made from local, whole ingredients, his team helps employees bring their best selves to work, fueling the creativity needed to drive continual advancements in cancer care. 

“Our focus on food isn’t just about nourishment—” he continues, “—it’s about fostering a culture of well-being and positivity. I’m proud to work for a place that invests so heavily in its people.” 

Caring for patients 
Just as Exact Sciences fuels innovation by feeding its employees, it extends that same care to patients. Treating cancer is costly, leaving 17-55% of U.S. cancer patients to struggle with food insecurity.² To combat this, the company supports organizations like The Joybus, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that delivers nutritious meals to cancer patients with a personal touch, easing the burden of food prep so they can focus on recovery. 

Exact Sciences also raises awareness about cancer screening through initiatives like the Cologuard Classic, an annual golf tournament that connects impacted patients, survivors, and families with others who can relate to and support them. In 2024, they leveraged the event to collect over 7,000 pounds of food for Tucson-area food banks—closing the loop in a cycle that empowers everyone with the food and support they need to thrive and help eradicate cancer. 

Growing for good 
In a little over a decade, Exact Sciences has nearly quadrupled in size, with new locations opening across the United States, Europe, and Asia. As it continues to grow, it remains committed to fighting food insecurity in its areas of influence. 

This year, the company is doubling down on its efforts to make nutritious food more accessible to communities, teams, and patients. It’s deepening partnerships with local nonprofits, bringing its food-focused initiatives to more office locations, and creating even greater opportunities for their employees to make a difference—both at work and in their personal lives. 

“Food is a powerful catalyst for change,” says Jake Orville, General Manager of Screening. “The Screening Summit is about tackling cancer from every angle—from developing world-class tests to addressing barriers like food insecurity that keep people from getting screened. By nourishing our communities, teams, and patients, we’re giving everyone a better chance to beat cancer for good.” 

References 

1. Mendoza JA, Miller CA, Martin KJ, et al. Examining the Association of Food Insecurity and Being Up-to-Date for Breast and Colorectal Cancer Screenings. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2022;31(5):1017-1025. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-21-1116 
2. Patel KG, Borno HT, Seligman HK. Food insecurity screening: A missing piece in cancer management. Cancer. 2019;125(20):3494-3501. doi:10.1002/cncr.32291