In a bold stride toward health equity and cancer prevention, Texas Southern University (TSU) has been awarded a transformative $2 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The funding, dedicated to expanding the impact of the TSU Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center (TSU BCSPC), signals a major win for underserved communities in the Greater Houston area and beyond.

Led by Dr. Veronica Ajewole-Mwema, PharmD, BCOP, this groundbreaking initiative has already proven its power to change—and save—lives. Since its inception in 2021 with a $1 million CPRIT grant, the TSU BCSPC has delivered more than 1,400 free mammograms and provided vital health education and patient navigation services to over 4,500 women across Harris, Grimes, Matagorda, Walker, and Wharton counties.

“There are women alive today because we caught their breast cancer early,” said Dr. Ajewole-Mwema. “This renewed investment will expand our reach and deepen our commitment to community-centered care.”

A Lifeline for Communities in Need

Breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Texas, with stark disparities in diagnosis and survival rates among women of color and those living in rural or underserved areas. The TSU BCSPC aims to close that gap—delivering evidence-based screenings, culturally responsive education, and direct support through trusted community health workers.

With this new round of funding, TSU will:

Provide 2,400 free screening mammograms to women across nine counties, including four newly added: Galveston, Polk, Brazoria, and Trinity.

Expand patient navigation and barrier-reduction services, ensuring no woman is left behind due to transportation, financial, or informational gaps.

Continue training Community Health Workers (CHWs) to sustain outreach and support well beyond the grant’s timeline.

Deliver literacy-appropriate, culturally tailored breast health education across all participating communities.

“This isn’t just about screenings—it’s about building trust, breaking cycles, and equipping women with the tools to take control of their health,” said Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall, TSU Vice President for Research and Innovation.

An Ecosystem of Empowerment

TSU’s commitment to impactful research goes far beyond its campus. The Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center serves as a model for how academic institutions can act as engines of both scientific discovery and social responsibility. Working in close collaboration with community leaders, healthcare providers, and nonprofit partners, TSU has crafted a high-touch, high-trust program that resonates where it’s needed most.

“We are proud to serve as a bridge between groundbreaking research and real-world impact,” said Dr. Ajewole-Mwema. “With this grant, we will extend our reach, elevate community voices, and ensure that every woman—regardless of zip code—has access to early detection and compassionate care.”

CPRIT's Statewide Impact

The $2 million awarded to TSU is part of CPRIT’s latest round of funding—a $93 million statewide investment across 61 cancer research and prevention projects. Since its founding, CPRIT has distributed more than $3.9 billion in support of Texas-based cancer research, prevention efforts, and treatment innovations.

TSU’s recognition by CPRIT once again highlights the university’s growing prominence as a health equity leader in Texas and nationally.

Empowering Communities. Saving Lives. One Screen at a Time.

As the TSU Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center enters this next chapter, the message is clear: cancer prevention is a collective responsibility. And through partnerships like CPRIT and passionate leadership from women like Dr. Ajewole-Mwema, TSU is helping ensure a healthier, more equitable future—one woman, one mammogram, and one life at a time.

For more info, visit TSU.edu