Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States, but there are significant disparities by race and ethnicity. While the rate of new cases is similar for white and Black patients, the death rate for Black cancer patients continues to be higher (173 per 100,000 people) than for white individuals (153 for white individuals). While the gap has narrowed over the past two decades, it remains significant. Disparities exist for several types of cancer, including prostate, colorectal, breast cancer, and multiple myeloma. Yet despite higher death rates, all minorities, especially Black patients, have been and continue to be underrepresented in clinical research and registries.
Reducing Racial Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
To begin addressing the problem, we must increase representation of Black patients in clinical trials.
January 17, 2022
Summary.
A disproportionate number of Black patients die from cancer in the United States. A key to addressing this problem is enrolling more Black patients in clinical trials. A strategy consisting of these three parts can help accomplish this goal: 1) centralize information about clinical trial sites and clinical registries to identify sites able to enroll more Black patients; 2) provide assistance to sites that have great potential to recruit Black patients for clinical trials and registries but little experience in doing so; and 3) engage Black cancer patients to increase their awareness of and willingness to participate in trials and registries.