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Not everyone has equal ability to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. We want to help eliminate those disparities.
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Black people have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial / ethnic group in the US for most cancers.
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Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic/Latino communities.
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People in areas with the most limited incomes have 20- 25% higher cancer death rates than those in the most affluent areas, and the gap is growing.
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Hispanics/Latinos have the highest uninsured rates of any racial or ethnic group within the United States.
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Low screening rates for breast, colorectal and prostate cancers, among other cancer types, too often means that treatment in Black and Hispanic people must wait until after a delayed diagnosis.
“We know that cancer diagnoses in African American and Hispanic/Latino populations are often made too late. The reasons for this are complex, ranging from the social determinants of health, through lack of access – and in some cases, lack of knowledge and best-in-class tools. The Going for Gold initiative is a wonderful way to build exemplars that begin the process of addressing these health disparities in Centers of Excellence that are academically positioned, but also positioned in communities that have the most to benefit from their success.”
- Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, Chief Patient Officer and Executive Vice President, Population Health and Sustainability at Merck.
“While much progress has been made against cancer over the years, that progress has not been shared equally. I’m confident that this initiative will lead to expanded participation in cancer clinical trials, more equitable access to new treatments, and improved health outcomes for patients.”
- Robert A. Bradway, Chief Executive Officer of Amgen
“Through the Going for Gold initiative and access to clinical trial data and powerful analytics, HBCUs and HSIs can lead a generation of research into cancer’s disparate effects on communities of color. I encourage other companies to join us in supporting community and education efforts that lead to more equitable health care.”
- Jim Goodnight, Chief Executive Officer of SAS