Solving global health challenges requires approaches that strengthen systems, improve coordination, and support health professionals in turning insight into meaningful action. At City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), this belief guides our efforts to help cities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) build more equitable and resilient cancer care systems.
It is also the foundation of our co-developed innovative solutions such as C/Can CONNECT. Since September 2025, C/Can CONNECT has been part of the inaugural cohort of the MITdesignX Le Rosey Impact Accelerator, a global programme supporting early-stage ventures focused on social impact.
C/Can CONNECT is the only nonprofit initiative and the only intrapreneurial project selected for this first cohort. This recognition reinforces the value of replicable data management solutions such as C/Can CONNECT in supporting cities to improve the way cancer care is organised, coordinated, and delivered.
Understanding the Challenge: When Fragmentation Puts Patients at Risk
C/Can CONNECT was created in response to a reality shared by many patients across cities in LMICs: cancer patients frequently navigate fragmented, uncoordinated health systems.
A woman with breast cancer may be diagnosed in one facility, undergo imaging in another, and receive treatment somewhere else. Yet her data stays at the facility. Tests may be repeated or left incomplete, clinical decisions are delayed, and treatment plans are interrupted.
This lack of coordination has direct consequences on patients’ lives. In LMICs, breast cancer mortality is twice as high as in high-income countries, and the lack of coordination of care contributes to that. Without a clear view of where patients drop out of care, it is difficult for hospitals, local governments, and payers to act together and improve outcomes.
C/Can CONNECT: Linking Systems Through Data and Collaboration
C/Can CONNECT was developed to help close this visibility gap. Rather than replacing existing hospital software, C/Can CONNECT links fragmented local health systems through a unified breast cancer management platform and creates a shared overview of patient pathways across a city. This improves coordination and helps ensure that fewer patients are lost within the system.
C/Can CONNECT combines innovation in data governance, organisational change and software implementation. Its work is anchored in seven core components:
- Data governance and system strengthening
- Establishment of patient data standards
- Mapping of local data sources and IT landscapes
- Design of data aggregation and visualisation tools
- Custom open-source software implementation
- Training and capacity building for local teams
- Knowledge transfer and best-practice sharing across countries
Through this integrated approach, cities are better equipped to identify bottlenecks, prioritise system-level interventions, and coordinate decisions. Ultimately, C/Can CONNECT supports better outcomes for breast cancer patients.
We Know it Works
In Cali, Colombia, we piloted with ProPacifico the implementation of C/Can CONNECT. Integrating data from institutions across the city of Cali, we revealed that out of 100 women with a suspicion of breast cancer, 40 never continued the process. The Secretary of Health has committed to drastically reduce this gap and to continuously monitor this indicator. Ultimately, ensuring that women suffering from breast cancer do not fall through the cracks of fragmented health systems.
MITdesignX Le Rosey Impact Accelerator: Advancing C/Can CONNECT
Participation in the MITdesignX Le Rosey Impact Accelerator has placed C/Can CONNECT within a global community of innovators addressing complex societal challenges. Through mentorship, design guidance, and collaborative learning, the programme has contributed to strengthening C/Can CONNECT’s strategy, user experience, and long-term sustainability.
For C/Can, this participation represents an important validation of C/Can CONNECT’s potential to support cities and health systems in improving how cancer care is delivered.
What is Next?
Since joining the programme in September 2025, the C/Can CONNECT team has taken part in four strategic workshops. The next major milestone will be the live pitch on 12 December 2025, where C/Can CONNECT will present its progress and vision for scaling its use and impact .
C/Can CONNECT reflects a shift towards more integrated and data-driven approaches to strengthening cancer care. By improving visibility across patient journeys, C/Can CONNECT supports cities to coordinate action, reduce delays, and deliver more equitable cancer services.
Its selection for the MITdesignX Le Rosey Impact Accelerator marks an important step forward, not only for C/Can, but for the cities and patients across LMICs who stand to benefit from more connected health systems and equitable cancer care.
