AstraZeneca and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) announced at the Aspen Ideas: Health conference, a five-year partnership focused on strengthening cancer education in the areas of screening and early detection to evidence-based programs helping cancer survivors living with, through and beyond cancer.

This historic partnership brings together two institutions dedicated to improving community health, combining Y-USA’s 175-year legacy in communities across America with AstraZeneca’s bold ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

Over the first two years, this partnership aims to reach 175,000 people across 75 communities nationwide by bringing tailored, community-driven solutions to increase awareness of cancer screening and early detection. In addition, Y-USA will strengthen its support for people navigating their cancer journey — building on more than 15 years helping survivors reclaim their health and well-being while navigating their cancer journeys.

Mohit Manrao, Senior Vice President, Head of US Oncology, AstraZeneca and President, AstraZeneca Foundation, said: “We are in the golden era of cancer care, yet cancer screening and early detection rates for many types of cancer remain low, with significant disparities across zip codes. Our partnership with Y-USA can directly reach millions of Americans at scale and at the grassroots level because every patient, regardless of zip code, deserves support throughout their cancer journey.”

Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO, Y-USA, said: “We are bringing together AstraZeneca’s global expertise in life-changing innovations and the YMCA’s expansive community reach to transform our nation’s approach to cancer care. Over the next five years, we will expand screening, early detection, and survivorship programs to reach more people in the places they live and help them lead longer, healthier lives.”

New data shows that people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis than ever before, reflecting significant advances in screening, early detection and more targeted treatments.¹ At the same time, more people are being diagnosed with cancer,² underscoring the growing burden of the disease and the need for greater awareness, earlier intervention, and support across the full cancer journey.

According to a 2025 survey from Prevent Cancer Foundation, 51% of US adults 21 years of age and older say they have had a routine medical appointment or routine cancer screening in the last year, a 10% drop compared with its 2024 survey. However, 73% of those surveyed were more likely to schedule routine cancer screenings after learning about the benefits of early detection.³ The five-year survival rate for many types of cancer is almost 90% when found early.