The McKesson Foundation has made a $500,000 philanthropic grant to Parkland Health Foundation to create a proactive colorectal surveillance registry. The registry, powered by Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies and developed by Parkland’s Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI), will help identify and treat colon cancer patients with greater efficiency.
The need for proactive medical intervention for colorectal cancer is growing. Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer type and the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. When found early, colorectal cancer is often curable, with a 91% 5-year relative survival rate. But when the cancer spreads or metastasizes to other organs, the survival rate drops significantly to 13%.
The proposed colorectal surveillance system will streamline and support timely and consistent implementation of guideline-recommended colonoscopy follow-ups. AI/ML analytics offer a novel and proactive approach to capturing vulnerable patients by identifying gaps in care, especially given the large volume of patients seen at Parkland. In FY23, 1,116 diagnostic colonoscopy procedures were performed at Parkland, and there are 115,015 unique patients in Parkland’s system between the ages of 45-75 who are eligible for a screening colonoscopy based on current guidelines.
“By leveraging AI/ML technologies, we can proactively identify patients at risk, close critical care gaps, and ensure timely follow-ups that could save lives. This investment from the McKesson Foundation allows us to take a significant step forward in reducing the burden of colorectal cancer in our community,” said Michael Horne, EdD, MPP, president and CEO, Parkland Health Foundation.
The program’s goal of reducing colon cancer outcomes at Parkland will be achieved through timely screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of at-risk patients. Through advanced analytics and AI, Parkland can proactively identify high-risk patients with care gaps, improve adherence to treatment plans and trigger interventions to optimize post-colonoscopy timelines, and conduct further analysis on colorectal cancers.
McKesson Foundation’s past philanthropic grants to Parkland Health Foundation are already making a difference by enabling Parkland to purchase flexible sigmoidoscopy equipment and help construct Parkland’s CV Roman Health Center in Southern Dallas.
“Advancing innovative solutions to improve patient care aligns with the McKesson Foundation’s mission to reduce healthcare disparities. By supporting Parkland Health’s colorectal surveillance registry, we are helping to address a critical need and enabling a proactive approach to detecting and treating colorectal cancer. Together, we’re ensuring more patients receive the lifesaving care they deserve,” said Melissa Thompson, President, McKesson Foundation.
About Parkland Health Foundation
Parkland Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to securing substantial financial resources that advance the goals of Parkland Health (Parkland). Parkland’s mission is to advance wellness, relieve suffering, develop and educate. Our vision is to advance health equity through excellence as a public health system. Parkland Health Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that our community has a medical home for a continuum of care from birth to end of life.
About McKesson Foundation
Founded in 1943, the McKesson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporate foundation dedicated to advancing health outcomes for all. The Foundation’s mission is to remove barriers to quality health care across North America, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. The foundation’s efforts focus on three pillars – reducing the burden of cancer, preparing tomorrow’s health care workforce, and accelerating crisis response. For more information about the McKesson Foundation, click here.