We will study and identify factors contributing to disparities, develop culturally appropriate approaches, and disseminate interventions to overcome those disparities across the cancer control continuum from disease prevention to end-of-life care.

Overcoming cancer health disparities is one of the best opportunities we have for eliminating the suffering and death due to cancer. Addressing the needs of the medically underserved is a critical component of each of our NCI strategic objectives. Significant progress has been made over the past three decades in understanding, preventing, detecting, diagnosing, and treating cancer and in improving the quality of cancer survivorship and end-of-life care. Sadly, not all Americans are reaping the benefits of this progress.

Because cancer initiation and progression are determined by complex interactions among genetic, behavioral, cultural, social, and environmental factors, some level of health disparity - e.g., higher than average incidence, more rapid disease progression, poorer outcome or survival - can affect anyone. However, several assessments conducted in recent years point to the unequal burden of disease in our society as not just a scientific and medical challenge but also a moral and ethical dilemma for our Nation. Minorities and other underserved populations variously distinguished by race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, geographic location, occupation, and education bear a far greater cancer burden than the general population.

NCI must take the lead in accelerating the dissemination and implementation of interventions to address cancer health disparities. We must establish collaborations and partnerships with public, private, and community organizations to address inequities. We must work more efficiently and effectively with current partners, evaluate the impact of our efforts, and broaden our bases of collaboration. This kind of resource integration provides our best hope of overcoming cancer health disparities.

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