the Cancer Plan

The Cancer Plan

Health Equity

Equity and equality in cancer care are critical issues. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines cancer health disparities as “differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of cancer and related adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States.” Individuals of all ethnic backgrounds who are poor, lack health insurance or have inadequate access to quality cancer screening and treatment experience more cancer diagnoses and death, as well as unfavorable survival rates. The Alliance is committed to achieving health equity in our state.

Objective

1.1

Improve access to cancer screening and treatment for groups at higher risk of unfavorable cancer outcomes.

1.1a

Reduce the gap in incidence, late-stage diagnoses, and mortality for screenable cancers among groups experiencing disproportionate effects of cancer.

1.2

Expand cancer surveillance among historically undersampled populations.

1.2a

Expand cancer data collection instruments to include comprehensive variables on race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.

1.3

Annually ensure all objectives and strategies outlined in the cancer plan have a health equity focus.

1.3a

Annually prioritize the implementation of strategies with the highest impact on underserved populations.