Research and Programs to Eliminate Cancer Disparities

April 18-20, 2007
Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center
New Orleans, Louisiana

Eliminating Cancer Disparities—A Work in Progress

Advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment over the past several decades have increased longevity and improved quality of life for many Americans. Yet despite progress and scientific gains, cancer is expected to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. in the next century. One in four deaths is attributable to cancer, and one in three Americans will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. In addition, not all segments of the U.S. population have benefited to the fullest extent from the advances.

Differences persist in risk, treatment, and survival rates for cancer among special populations, which include people with disabilities; ethnic and racial groups; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender populations; and low-income individuals.

The origins of disparities in cancer occurrence and death rates are multifaceted and must be examined within a larger societal and medical context. Genetic factors, risk behaviors, access to information, environmental risks, other chronic conditions, and the availability of health care services all contribute to cancer disparities by gender, ethnicity, geographic region, and socioeconomic status. Income and ethnicity often influence cancer screening, early detection, treatment, and prevalence of other chronic diseases with risk profiles similar to cancer. These conditions frequently contribute to late-stage diagnoses (when cancer is less treatable) and low survival rates.

The demographic changes that are anticipated over the next decade magnify the importance of addressing disparities in health status. Groups currently experiencing poorer health status-low-income individuals, older Americans, people with limited access to health insurance and/or medical care, and individuals with low literacy levels-are expected to grow in proportion to the total U.S. population; therefore, the future health of America as a whole will be influenced substantially by our success in improving the health of these groups.

The majority of Americans believe it is important to eliminate health disparities faced by minorities and citizens with lower incomes. A whole host of organizations have been putting great effort in reducing and eliminating health disparities. Unfortunately, there is little collaboration and cohesion among these groups. Government agencies, special interest/advocacy groups, cancer and other health organizations, non-profits, and health professional associations operate independently. Such a large field guarantees overlap and redundancy, even within agencies themselves. Everyone recognizes the need to reach out to special populations. The challenge is to identify the most effective ways to reach audiences, involve underserved populations in the process, and conduct activities that will reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates.

This conference is one important element of the American Cancer Society's overall strategy to bring these important constituencies together and to highlight important new knowledge and successful interventions.

• Conference Agenda
  
  
• Keynote Speaker: Rev. Jesse Jackson
  
  
• Conference Speakers
  
  
• Overview of Cancer Disparities
  
  
• About Our 2005 Conference
  
  
• News
  
  

A Letter from Harmon J. Eyre, MD

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the American Cancer Society, I welcome and thank you for your interest in “Bridging the Health Care Divide: Research and Programs to Eliminate Cancer Disparities.” The 2007 conference will prove to be another important gathering of researchers, community groups, healthcare providers, social workers, public health leaders, laypersons, advocates, and policy makers to share successful, sustainable, evidence-based models to eliminate cancer disparities.

Many of you may recall that in 2005, the American Cancer Society hosted its first conference exploring models and interventions to eliminate cancer disparities among underserved populations in this nation. This meeting proved to be an exceptional platform for thoughtful discussion and innovative suggestions for ACS and other organizations in the quest to improve this deplorable situation.

Fast forward two years and we are hosting another such conference. Based on the overwhelming, positive response to the first meeting as well as the continued need to address issues of cancer information, access and care for the underserved, the Society is providing another opportunity for members of cancer research, cancer prevention and control and community organizations to collaborate in the effort to develop successful, sustainable programs that can save lives.

The Society has identified the elimination of disparities as a supporting pillar that cuts across its four major leadership roles: Information, Research, Quality of Life and Prevention and Early Detection. In 2006, an important step was taken when the Society appointed a senior strategy team which will build upon existing work through strategic planning and recommendations of targeted, system-wide approaches and partnerships that will strengthen our body of work. We will report on the progress of the Team’s work with all of the attendees but, more important, we are excited about providing a forum for sharing research, engaging in discussion, and forming new partnerships as we all work towards the common goal of eliminating cancer disparities.

Thank you again for your participation, and I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans.

Sincerely,

Harmon J Eyre, MD