Community-Academic

Feasibility Study

Assessing Unusual Cancer Patterns in Flint, Michigan

FC3’s flagship initiative is a cancer feasibility study designed to assess whether a larger, community-driven epidemiological study can and should be conducted in Flint.

This study responds directly to residents’ concerns about unusual and aggressive cancer patterns – particularly in the wake of the Flint Water Crisis – and seeks to determine if those patterns may be linked to geography, environmental exposures, or occupation.

The study is guided by the following goals:

Determine Viability and Ethics: Assess whether a full-scale environmental epidemiology study can be conducted ethically, safely, and effectively.
Center Community Voice: Ensure Flint residents shape the study’s direction, priorities, and interpretation of findings.
Build Trust and Transparency: Promote open communication and community involvement at every stage.
Improve Access to Data: Identify gaps in publicly available cancer data and work toward greater transparency.
Support Prevention and Education: Begin sharing culturally relevant, accessible information about cancer and environmental health while long-term research is being planned.

Feasibility Panel Members

This project is supported by the National Minority Quality Forum and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, with active contributions from our anchor partners the Greater Flint Health Coalition, Genesee Health Plan, Community Based Organization Partners (CBOP), the Flint Public Health Youth Academy, and community leaders and local residents.