Texas Cancer Interception Institute
Baylor Scott & White Health is committed to revolutionizing cancer care by intercepting cancer at its earliest stages. The Texas Cancer Interception Institute (TCII) is leading the charge in early detection, prevention and research—and philanthropy plays a crucial role in making this vision a reality.
The need for earlier cancer detection
Seventy percent of cancer-related deaths occur due to cancers that lack a recommended screening test, making early detection a critical factor in survival. Intercepting cancer in its earliest and most treatable form is essential to maximizing recovery chances for those facing this disease.
With national efforts underway to reduce cancer mortality by 50% over the next 25 years, Baylor Scott & White is committed to advancing this mission through the Texas Cancer Interception Institute (TCII). TCII is leading the charge in shifting cancer care from a reactive model—treating cancer after symptoms appear—to a proactive, interception-based approach. By integrating patient navigation with cutting-edge innovations in genomic sequencing, biomarker research, and AI-driven diagnostics, TCII is transforming how we detect and treat cancer, improving outcomes for patients across Texas and beyond.
Advancing early cancer interception
The landscape of cancer care is changing, with emerging methods—such as simple blood tests—showing the potential to detect cancer before symptoms develop. This shift requires bold action and investment in proactive strategies that enable earlier intervention.
As the largest not-for-profit health system in Texas with more than 13.5 million patient encounters annually, Baylor Scott & White is uniquely positioned to lead this transformative initiative by combining our vast patient network with our leading expertise in cancer care. As a key priority initiative of Baylor Scott & White, TCII is poised to become a leader in early detection and diagnosis across Texas and beyond.
With a lead, transformational gift from the Jeff and Carmen York Family, TCII has already begun its groundbreaking work—but continued philanthropic investment is essential to sustain and expand these efforts.
Texas Cancer Interception Institute: Pioneering a new era of cancer care
The goal of TCII is to change the conversation for the tens of thousands of people each year who will hear the dreaded words: “You have cancer.”
Approaching the fight against cancer from multiple angles, TCII unites several exciting developments in early detection under one umbrella to accelerate impact in the lives of Texans, including:
PRE-CANCER DIAGNOSIS: How we are diagnosing earlier
- Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED): Through a partnership with Exact Sciences, 50,000 MCED blood tests are being deployed across Baylor Scott & White primary care offices. These simple blood tests can detect cancerous tumor DNA before symptoms may develop
- High-Risk Breast Screening Program: This initiative helps patients who are identified as high risk to begin risk-reduction and surveillance strategies to enable the earliest diagnosis of breast cancer.
- AI Technology: From advanced imaging interpretation to predictive analytics, AI tools will enable us to identify patients who are at high risk for cancer and allow for earlier and more effective interventions.
POST-CANCER DIAGNOSIS: Using precision medicine to treat patients and develop population health models
- Texas Immuno-oncology Biorepository: This hub collects biospecimens from a diverse population across Texas to advance studies on cancer recurrence and improve immuno-therapies. Using data collected from cancer patients across the state, researchers are finding microscopic clues that signal cancer growth.
- Genomics: Sequencing a person’s DNA allows care teams to generate a personalized readout of what genetic alterations are happening in a patient and why. With that knowledge, that person’s cancer can be more precisely targeted with the right treatments.
- TRIM Trial: This is a first-of-its-kind clinical trial to investigate the use of a new weight loss drug, Zepbound®, to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients with obesity.
PATIENT SUPPORT: Throughout a cancer journey
- Jeff & Carmen York Family Patient Navigation Program: Dedicated navigators guide patients from diagnosis to survivorship.
Psychological & Genetic Counseling: This provides mental health support and genetic risk assessment.
Join us in our fight to intercept cancer
Texas Cancer Interception Institute is a transformational philanthropic initiative to advance early interception and accelerate care for those facing a cancer diagnosis. Community support will continue to be vital in achieving this bold vision. Your gift will help ensure the long-term sustainability of TCII and foster continued research and innovation, redefining the future of cancer care for generations to come.
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