Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Excellence in Cancer Health (SPEECH)

The Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Excellence in Cancer Health (SPEECH)
is a highly collaborative and mutually beneficial initiative between Temple University/Fox Chase Cancer Center and Hunter College (TUFCCC/HC). It is part of the NCI-funded U54 CPACHE (Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Program)—the only program of its kind in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and one of just two in New York City (PNN).

Populations in the PA-NJ-NYC region experience significant cancer-related health mortality and acrosmortality across the cancer continuum, from a higher prevalence of cancer risk factors to delayed screening and diagnoses, experiencing more advanced disease, and poorer outcomes. SPEECH has made significant strides toward transforming cancer health research and education; research infrastructure and platforms that enabled investigators to advance cancer health excellence in research, career development, and capacity-building. Our vision is to promote excellence in cancer research, education, community engagement, and capacity building to maintain comprehensive, long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships between Resource Limited Institutions (RLIs) and NCI-designated Cancer Centers (CCs) as well as Resource Limited communities in the PNN region. Building on the robust research infrastructure established during the first funding cycle (2018–2023), the SPEECH seeks to advance cancer health research, training, and community-informed interventions through innovative, multidisciplinary projects led by basic, clinical, and population science researchers, alongside outstanding and promising trainees.