Expanding Progress for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Community: The SPARC MBC Challenge Reaches New Milestones

Abstract

Background: An estimated 1.6 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year, and approximately one-third of these women will develop advanced disease (stages III and IV). The Seeding Progress and Resources for the Cancer Community (SPARC): Metastatic Breast Cancer Challenge was created with support from Pfizer Oncology to address the unique needs of women and men living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) by offering grants to organizations initiating novel ways to fill gaps in support and services. Now in its second round, the program is building momentum to further support the MBC community. Aim: SPARC empowers advocacy groups, hospital networks, support groups and other organizations worldwide, addressing four key priorities: Closing the gap on patient information and navigation of care options; Raising awareness of specific needs and challenges faced by women with MBC; Ensuring MBC is embedded in national breast cancer policies; Helping to reduce the incidence of MBC at first diagnosis. Strategy: SPARC was first launched on World Cancer Day 2015 with a second call for proposals announced on International Women's Day 2017 . Proposals were assessed by an external Selection Advisory Group. Selection criteria focusing on impact included: Project's potential to improve the lives of women diagnosed with MBC Organization's ability to deliver the project Feasibility of project goals Sustainability of the project beyond the grant period. UICC provided ongoing monitoring and support including dedicated mentors and online training covering key topics to maximize projects' success. Grantee workshops at the start and end of projects (during ABC3/4-Advanced Breast Cancer Consensus conference and the World Cancer Congress) provided critical networking and knowledge sharing. Second round grantees are linked to first round grantees with similar projects for additional mentoring. Outcomes: UICC received over 80 initial applications from 46 countries in the first call, and 83 applications from 42 countries in 2017 demonstrating continued demand for MBC support. Altogether 40 organizations in 30 countries have benefited from SPARC grants. As well as mentorship and UICC support, grantees gained unparalleled access to both the UICC community and other MBC advocates. Grantees measured the reach of their projects, including numbers of patients supported, healthcare workers trained, institutional collaborations formed and awareness raised. Two years on, 1st round projects have trained 1500 healthcare workers, involved 400 institutions, created online support in 7 countries and continue to reach new MBC patients. Work to embed new practices in national policy and medical curricula is expanding in Brazil, Nigeria, Bulgaria and Uganda. What was learned: Results from 2nd round grantees and key learnings from the two rounds, including grantee to grantee mentorship and WhatsApp support, will be available to be presented at WCC.