AstraZeneca and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) have launched a five-year, multimillion-dollar partnership aimed at improving cancer awareness, increasing screening and early detection rates, and expanding support for cancer survivors across communities in the United States.
The collaboration was announced at the Aspen Ideas: Health conference and brings together AstraZeneca’s expertise in cancer care with the YMCA’s long-standing presence in communities nationwide. The initiative is designed to help address disparities in cancer screening while providing evidence-based programs that support people living with, through, and beyond cancer.
During the first two years of the partnership, the organizations plan to reach 175,000 people across 75 communities by delivering locally tailored education on cancer screening and early detection. The programs will focus on increasing public awareness of the importance of routine screenings and encouraging individuals to seek preventive care before symptoms develop.
In addition to education efforts, the YMCA will expand its existing survivorship programs, building on more than 15 years of experience helping cancer survivors improve their physical and emotional well-being after treatment. The organizations say the partnership is intended to support patients throughout every stage of their cancer journey, from prevention and early diagnosis to recovery and long-term survivorship.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but advances in screening, early detection, and targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes for many patients. Detecting cancer in its earliest stages often increases treatment options and dramatically improves survival rates, making access to screening an essential part of cancer care.
Mohit Manrao, Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Oncology at AstraZeneca and President of the AstraZeneca Foundation, said medical innovation has transformed cancer treatment in recent years, but many Americans still do not receive recommended cancer screenings. He noted that screening rates remain uneven across different communities and geographic regions, creating disparities in outcomes.
According to Manrao, partnering with the YMCA provides an opportunity to reach millions of people through trusted local community centers, helping ensure that more individuals receive education, support, and encouragement to participate in recommended cancer screening programs regardless of where they live.
Suzanne McCormick, President and Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of the USA, said the partnership combines AstraZeneca’s scientific expertise with the YMCA’s extensive community network to strengthen cancer prevention and survivorship services nationwide. She added that expanding these programs over the next five years will help more people access screening, detect cancer earlier, and receive ongoing support during and after treatment.
The announcement comes as recent data point to both encouraging progress and continuing challenges in cancer care. Advances in medical research have enabled more people than ever to live longer following a cancer diagnosis. However, the number of new cancer cases continues to rise, increasing the need for broader awareness and improved access to preventive healthcare.
At the same time, cancer screening participation has declined. According to a 2025 survey by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, only 51% of U.S. adults aged 21 and older reported receiving a routine medical checkup or cancer screening within the previous year, representing a 10% decline from the organization’s 2024 survey. The survey also found that 73% of respondents were more likely to schedule routine screenings after learning about the benefits of early detection.
The partnership seeks to address this gap by making cancer education and preventive resources more accessible at the community level. By combining healthcare expertise with local outreach, AstraZeneca and the YMCA hope to encourage earlier diagnosis, improve survivorship support, and ultimately help reduce the impact of cancer across the United States.