Prevention program closes FY26 cycle with 53 applications; CDC‑approved self‑collection cervical screening highlighted

CPRIT’s prevention program reported Aug. 20 that its FY26 first review cycle received 53 applications — the most prevention applications received since fiscal year 2018 — and applicants requested over $75 million.

The prevention portfolio break‑down included 29 applications aimed at screening and early detection, 23 focused on primary prevention, and one for dissemination of CPRIT‑funded cancer control interventions. Interim staff said the large number and quality of applications increase the likelihood the prevention program will operate a single cycle in FY26 (i.e., fund a larger slate in one round) but final decisions on cycle scheduling will be made with the primary prevention review council.

Staff highlighted recent work on colorectal cancer screening guidance and CPRIT‑funded initiatives addressing cervical cancer, including a self‑collection program funded in FY25 through MD Anderson. Staff said that self‑collection testing has potential to expand screening access for women who face barriers to clinic‑based screening and noted that staff and grantee partners will present data at the Healthier Texas Summit in Austin in October.

Committee members asked whether screening volumes have returned to pre‑COVID levels. CPRIT staff reported service totals that suggest screening activity is back toward pre‑COVID levels: CPRIT’s prevention services had delivered roughly 860,000 services through three quarters of FY25 and were on track to exceed 900,000 by year end, similar to FY19 totals (~950,000). Staff said changes in screening guidelines (for colorectal and lung) are also increasing demand for screening services.

The oversight committee did not vote on prevention matters at this meeting; staff will report RFA outcomes and recommended funding slates after the review council completes scoring and deliberations.