Cancer Health Research Centers (CHERCs)

For program-related questions:

Dr. Joanne Elena
joanne.elena@cancer.org

Dr. Allana Roach
allana.roach@cancer.org

For assistance with Proposal Central:
pcsupport@altum.com
800.875.2562

The American Cancer Society will provide funding to support the formation of Cancer Health Research Centers (CHERCs) which are designed to achieve improved cancer health outcomes and reduce cancer mortality.

Past research topics have included:

• Integration of social determinants of health screening tools and interventions into practice
• Strategies to prevent diagnostic or treatment delays
• Strategies to increase participation of specific populations in clinical trials
• Strategies to overcome barriers or promote facilitators of treatment adherence, and interventions to target care planning and coordination between teams of healthcare professionals caring for people with cancer

Priority populations include, but are not limited to:

• Rural communities
• Communities with low access to healthcare
• People with early onset cancers
• Populations that have differences in health outcomes
• Populations with age-specific needs, such as pediatrics, adolescent/young adults, and older adults
• Populations with environmental health concerns, such as high radon levels
• People with physical and mental disabilities

Applicants must be independent researchers at eligible U.S. academic institutions and nonprofit organizations.

A total $1,650,000 is available for a 4 year project period. Additional budget information is provided on the program website.

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application portal are available on the program website.

Submit a letter of intent by February 9, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, with a deadline of June 1, 2026.