0
0
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Analyze Evolution and Recommend Path Forward
Investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have delved into the historical trajectory of Community Outreach and Engagement initiatives within the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers (NCI-DCCs). Their insights and recommendations, recently published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, shed light on the persistent disparities in cancer care access despite decades of outreach efforts.
The toll of cancer on lives in the U.S. has seen a decline over the past 28 years, but this progress has not been uniform across all communities. Disparities persist, particularly in historically marginalized communities, including those disadvantaged by race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or gender identity, and geographic location. Despite concerted efforts by the NCI and NCI-DCCs to address these inequities, challenges remain.
Formed in 1971, the NCI recognizes 72 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, including Dana-Farber, all tasked with advancing cancer research and care. While community outreach and engagement have long been priorities for the NCI, it wasn’t until 2012 that NCI-DCCs were mandated to rigorously define their catchment areas and describe their outreach interventions. Despite some progress, the investigators note that efforts to reduce disparities must match the intensity of scientific advancements.
Christopher Lathan, MD, MS, MPH, Chief Clinical Access and Equity Officer at Dana-Farber, emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access to scientific advances. He asserts, “It is imperative that we ensure everyone has access to the latest scientific advances, and that takes a sustained and dedicated focus on community outreach and engagement, clinical access, and health equity.”
While NCI-DCCs have initiated interventions aimed at reducing disparities and improving access to innovative treatments, the investigators highlight a gap in translating these initiatives into widespread impact. Many successful programs have yet to be widely shared or replicated. Moreover, the authors emphasize the need for greater involvement of marginalized communities in decision-making processes.
The investigators put forward several recommendations:
- Proactive Community Engagement: NCI-DCCs should engage marginalized communities in bidirectional communication, integrating their input into research and diagnostic efforts.
- Broadening Clinical Access: Interventions to reduce disparities should be integrated into the healthcare delivery system and backed by robust demographic data collection.
- Commitment to Community Development: NCI-DCCs should leverage their economic power to uplift local communities through job training, education, and health promotion.
- Empowering Patient Voices: Governance policies should be established to elevate patient voices and ensure equitable decision-making.
Dr. Lathan underscores the urgency of addressing these disparities, questioning the value of scientific advancements if they remain inaccessible to those who need them most. He asserts, “What is the use of developing new therapies if the communities that could benefit the most are the very ones that cannot access them?”
As the fight against cancer continues, the recommendations put forth by these investigators offer a roadmap toward a more equitable future in cancer care access and outcomes.
