Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is expanding its efforts to improve cancer care access in Georgia through its ongoing partnership with Georgia CORE, a nonprofit focused on reducing the impact of cancer across the state. The collaboration aims to connect research, academic, and patient advocacy communities to enhance access to clinical trials, new treatments, screenings, preventive services, and survivorship resources.
For over two decades, Northside has worked alongside Georgia CORE to reach under-resourced and underinsured populations. Dr. Guilherme Cantuaria, chief of oncology at Northside Hospital and former Georgia CORE board member, stated: “Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is proud to be a partner of Georgia CORE. Together, we are working to ensure that every Georgian — regardless of geography or income — has access to the latest advancements in cancer care.”
Georgia CORE focuses on serving all Georgians but places special emphasis on those with limited resources or insurance. The organization provides education about screenings and preventive services and manages the state’s only online cancer information center. This resource offers information about oncologists, clinical trials, treatment centers, and other support services.
Among its outreach programs is the Georgia Cancer Trial Finder (GCTF), which assists providers, patients, and caregivers in locating nearby open clinical trials. Since 2012, a genetic testing partnership between Georgia CORE and the Georgia Department of Public Health has identified women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancers and provided free genetic testing for eligible individuals. Additionally, Georgia CORE funds community nonprofits that offer education and screenings for various cancers including lung, breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate.
Dr. Cantuaria emphasized the alignment between both organizations: “Georgia CORE’s mission aligns perfectly with our own,” he said. “By combining our strengths in research and community outreach, we’re able to reach patients who might otherwise be left behind.”
Northside also plays a significant role in Georgia NCORP (NCI Community Oncology Research Program), which is led by Dr. Cantuaria with support from Northside’s cancer research team. Through this initiative, Northside and Georgia CORE collaborate with affiliate sites across the state to broaden access to clinical trials and enhance cancer care delivery.
Leadership from Northside serves on both the board of directors and advisory committees at Georgia CORE as part of their shared commitment to improving cancer prevention and treatment statewide.
Lynn Durham, president and CEO of Georgia CORE noted: “Georgia CORE and Northside share a commitment to improving cancer care for all Georgians. Their doctors and administrators have been with us since we started in 2003 and have never wavered in their support for our mission,” she said. “Georgia CORE would not have the reach and impact it has today without Northside Hospital.”
Dr. Cantuaria added: “Northside’s commitment to Georgia CORE is more than a partnership — it’s a shared vision for a healthier Georgia.”
Georgia CORE encourages volunteers interested in supporting research, education or advocacy efforts through advisory committee service. The organization also invites residents of Georgia to learn more about available state- or federal-level cancer resources as well as opportunities for advocacy.
