Cary, N.C. – October 06, 2026 -- A data analytics partnership between SAS and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund found that $475,000 in grant funding reached more than 20,000 women through 12 cancer centers, translating to roughly 42 women reached per $1,000 invested.
Analysis quantifies EmPOWERment Tour outcomes across 12 cancer centers
The Data for Good collaboration measured the impact of the Fund's EmPOWERment Tour program, finding that the $475,000 in grants also delivered patient navigation services to 1,200 women and facilitated 4,100 cancer screenings.
SAS Viya merges grant data with federal health datasets
The project combined the Kay Yow Cancer Fund's internal program and grant records with demographic, health care access and cancer incidence data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute and the Food and Drug Administration. Using SAS Viya, the two organizations can now explore outcomes by geography and cancer type to pinpoint where interventions yield the strongest results.
Findings will redirect future grant funding and outreach tours
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund plans to apply the insights to guide future EmPOWERment Tours, educational initiatives, community outreach and grant allocation decisions, aiming to direct resources toward underserved communities with the greatest documented need.
"Data has the power to reveal where needs exist, what is working and how organizations can create even greater impact," said Selena Mua, Program Manager on the AI + Society team at SAS.
Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, said the analysis will help the organization better identify where it can expand its mission of providing education, support and access to care. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $11.1 million to date in the fight against cancers affecting women.