Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) recently announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform the way cancer is detected and managed. Through its newly established Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine (HICAP), HMH is pioneering an approach to cancer prevention that is reshaping the landscape of healthcare.
Dr. Elias Obeid, the medical director of HICAP, describes the program as the first of its kind in New Jersey, and one of only a few nationwide, to bring cancer risk management and early detection directly to patients’ homes. By leveraging advancements in technology and molecular diagnostics, HMH is shifting the focus from reactive cancer care to proactive prevention.
“We’re assessing and managing cancer risk remotely, outside the clinic — and we believe this approach will lead to prevention and early detection at scale,” said Dr. Obeid. The program allows individuals to complete cancer risk assessments at home and engage in personalized care based on their risk profile.
The Power of Early Detection
A core goal of the new program is to shift cancer diagnoses to earlier stages, where survival rates are significantly higher. For instance, cancers like pancreatic and lung, typically detected in advanced stages, have much higher survival rates when caught early. Dr. Obeid emphasized that early diagnosis is vital, explaining that the five-year survival rate for early-stage lung and pancreatic cancer can exceed 80%, compared to only 10-15% for late-stage diagnoses.
“Knowing about one’s cancer risk helps them understand what needs to be done, whether for early detection or prevention through personalized care plans,” Dr. Obeid noted.
Innovations in Cancer Screening
The collaboration with CancerIQ, a precision health platform, plays a critical role in enhancing the program’s reach and effectiveness. Feyi Ayodele, CEO of CancerIQ, outlined how the platform is integral to managing the program at scale. “With CancerIQ, HMH expects to scale precision cancer prevention and early detection, double the service capacity of their specialists, and improve compliance with personalized care plans,” Ayodele explained.
A key innovation driving this effort is the use of liquid biopsies—blood tests that detect genetic material released by cancer cells at early stages. These advancements allow for earlier detection, offering hope in preventing recurrence or catching cancer before it progresses.
Reaching Patients Where They Are
HMH has also implemented strategies to raise public awareness about the free cancer risk assessment tool. CancerIQ provides marketing toolkits to help healthcare systems reach patients during national cancer awareness months, utilizing social media, patient portals, and targeted email campaigns to inform specific groups at higher risk.
This focus on outreach ensures that at-risk populations are aware of their options for early detection, helping close the gap between eligibility and participation in life-saving screenings.
Empowering Patients for Better Outcomes
The cancer risk assessment, powered by CancerIQ, asks individuals questions about their personal and family medical history as well as lifestyle factors. For patients identified as high-risk, a team of healthcare professionals, including genetic counselors and nurse practitioners, will work with them to design a personalized plan for cancer detection and prevention.
“This offers our patients the chance to take charge of their health and ensure their wellness,” said Dr. Obeid. By making cancer risk assessment accessible, HMH is empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Program
The HMH program, currently offered at the Totowa campus, will expand to more locations by early 2025. “Our goal is to make cancer risk assessment and cancer prevention available to all individuals in our network’s community,” Dr. Obeid stated.
With this initiative, HMH is committed to improving outcomes for patients and tackling cancer before it takes hold, a mission aligned with their overarching goal to “keep getting better.” As cancer diagnoses continue to rise, early detection and prevention are more critical than ever.
By combining cutting-edge technology with a patient-first approach, Hackensack Meridian Health and CancerIQ are leading the charge in cancer prevention, empowering patients with the tools they need to live longer, healthier lives.
Thank you to everyone that contributed to this article:
- Dr. Elias Obeid, Medical Director at the Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular Medicine
- Feyi Ayodele, Co-Founder & CEO at Cancer IQ
