Closing the Cancer Gap Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Cancer Closing the Cancer GapHigher mortality rates. Less access to care. Poorer quality of life. These are some of the realities minority groups face when cancer care is not equitable.Facebook TwitterPinterestCopy Link Agents of ChangeIt’s no surprise that America’s “war on cancer” continues to make improvements in the screening and treatment of cancer, cutting overall rates and enabling more people to survive longer and with a better quality of life. What is surprising: Black Americans, members of other minority groups, low-wage workers, members of LGBTQ+ communities, women, the elderly, residents of rural areas, and those lacking insurance, transportation, or help in caring for ailing family members are often unable to access these advances because of who they are — and where and how they live. There is reason for hope, however, in the form of modern-day heroes. Across the United States, researchers, clinicians, patients, advocates, community leaders, and activists are working to circumvent or eliminate obstacles to care. Closing the Cancer Gap is an ongoing initiative introducing some of these dedicated changemakers who are working to ensure that care is equitable for all. Breast Cancer Cutting Into Breast Cancer Disparities With Genetic TestingOlufunmilayo I. Olopade, MD, seeks precision medicine for all, from Nigeria to the South Side of Chicago.By Susan K. TreimanAugust 24, 2022 One Woman s Mission to Help African Immigrants Navigate Breast Cancer CareIfy Anne Nwabukwu wants immigrant women in the DC area to know that help is just around the corner.By Lambeth HochwaldAugust 24, 2022 Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment as a Black WomanWhen Asha Miller was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, she couldn't find support. So she created it.By Kaitlin SullivanAugust 24, 2022Society has fragmented us into healthcare haves and have-nots.— Olufunmilayo I. Olopade, MDFacebookTwitter Breast Cancer GuideCheck out our comprehensive breast cancer overview.ShareFacebookTwitterPinterestCopy Link Colorectal Cancer Addressing Barriers That Make Black Americans More Vulnerable to Colorectal CancerFolasade May, MD, PhD, outlines what's needed to eliminate disparities, including better support and access.By Susan K. TreimanAugust 24, 2022 Getting Black and LGBTQ Communities Screened for Colorectal CancerAdvocate Paula Chambers Raney is working to ensure Black and gay women get the diagnosis and care they need.By Meryl Davids LandauAugust 24, 2022 Colorectal Cancer Fighting to Be HeardDiane Nathaniel barely survived stage 3 colorectal cancer. Now she’s working to ensure others fare better.By Cheryl Platzman WeinstockAugust 24, 2022We must stop blaming patients for not prioritizing their care, especially when we know that providers don’t invest adequate time discussing prevention.— Folasade May, MD, PhDFacebookTwitter Colorectal Cancer GuideCheck out our comprehensive colorectal cancer overview.ShareFacebookTwitterPinterestCopy Link Lung Cancer Building Trust Is Key to Breaking Barriers in Lung Cancer CareEnid Harding helps marginalized communities get access to lung cancer screenings. She starts by listening.By Kaitlin SullivanAugust 24, 2022 Working to Reduce Lung Cancer s Impact on Hard-Hit CommunitiesCarmen Guerra, MD, has launched navigator programs that help patients plan and access screening and treatment.By Susan K. TreimanAugust 24, 2022It’s not just historical abuses, but structural racism that’s made Black Americans reluctant to seek care.— Carmen Guerra, MDFacebookTwitter Lung Cancer GuideCheck out our comprehensive lung cancer overview.ShareFacebookTwitterPinterestCopy LinkNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Cancer Care Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.