Funded by the 2023 Victory Ride to Cure Cancer
African Americans have the highest percentage of new cancer cases in the U.S. but are less likely to be in research. People ages 13-39 partake in research less than any other age group. Hispanic patients also participate less if they do not speak the language or their culture is different, so they need different care. Patients from rural areas have a hard time getting to a cancer treatment center or need help figuring out the system once they are there. People without health insurance or poor insurance plans have access to care and research issues. AHWFBCCC wants to make sure everyone has access to the best cancer care possible. The best care possible may mean a patient joins a clinical trial. It is important to make sure all people are spoken for in studies that look at new treatments or supports for cancer patients. To meet that goal, we started a population health navigator program- people who are from the community who can help people learn about cancer, how to prevent it, what screening is needed and what treatments are available. If someone is diagnosed with cancer, the navigator will help to remove barriers to care and will talk with them about research as part of their care.
