Diversity matters in cancer research

Reducing health disparities in the United States requires a broad approach, from access to primary care to participation in clinical trials. As a cancer survivor, I'm keenly aware of the need for diversity and addressing disparities when it comes to tackling this disease. About one in five cancer clinical trials fail because of a lack of participation. Racial and ethnic groups, older, rural and poorer Americans are all under-represented in trials that do move ahead. And there is a four-fold disparity in the number of Blacks who are diagnosed with cancer compared to those who participate in clinical trials.
This gap is something I recently asked Congresswoman Bonamici to help address when I met with her as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's virtual lobby day. The Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act would help pinpoint and begin to address the barriers that keep people with diverse backgrounds from participating in trials.