CPRIT is accelerating advancements in cancer prevention and cures through merit- based grants awarded to Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso.
Southwest Coalition for Colorectal Cancer Screening (SuCCCeS)
Thanks to $7.86 million in grants from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas, SuCCCeS has enrolled 38,000 West Texas rural and border community residents in colorectal cancer education and testing services. The program has provided 1,700 screenings and navigated 30 patients through cancer treatment.
“I’d never been screened because I didn’t have the money or insurance. Both my aunt and my uncle passed away from colon cancer, so it was frequently on my mind. When they told me I had cancer, I felt like my world fell apart and I was depressed. Luckily the SuCCCeS program helped me by attending all my appointments until my surgery was done. After surgery, they checked on me to make sure I was OK.” – Jose Gaytan, cancer survivor and SuCCCeS patient
Learn more about the SuCCCeS program at TTUHSC El Paso.
Breast Cancer Education, Screening and Navigation (BEST)
With $5.1 million in generous grants from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas, BEST has provided breast cancer education and testing services for 105 West Texas counties. The program has recruited 1,730 participants, provided 1,302 mammograms, 528 diagnostic tests and detected 11 cancer cases.
“My mom had just passed away from brain cancer in December so hearing I had breast cancer, my world just fell apart. It was shocking—I thought I was going to die. I cried every day, I was afraid. The program guided me to get Medicaid and they helped me with everything. Even a phone call just to make sure I was OK. I know it’s bad when they tell you you have cancer, but having people like the people in this program who care about you, who help you, who guide you, you feel hugged. You feel loved.” – Gloria Sanchez, breast cancer survivor and BEST patient
Learn more about the BEST program at TTUHSC El Paso.
About Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT)
As the second-largest public funder of cancer research in the nation, CPRIT provides funding for projects that deliver invaluable breakthroughs in cancer research, create high-quality jobs, and reduce cancer mortality rates across the state.
To learn more about CPRIT, visit www.cprit.texas.gov.
YOU CAN HELP
At TTUHSC El Paso, we are committed to growing our own health care heroes and changing the state of health care in our Borderplex. For more information about how you can help, please contact andrea.tawney@ttuhsc.edu or craig.holden@ttuhsc.edu or visit ttuhscep.edu/elpaso/ia/giving/.