The Initiative to Eliminate Health Disparities (IECD) has many facets, but one primary goal— to eliminate racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in cancer care and prevention. Our faculty conducts original research to understand the causes of cancer disparities and to devise solutions. We also facilitate the access of underserved populations to state-of-the-art clinical trials and the delivery of culturally competent care. Our activities permeate programs across all seven DF/HCC member institutions, providing an unparalleled opportunity to reduce disparities in cancer care.

To move the field, we emphasize five key areas:

• Increase research on cancer disparities, particularly within disease-based programs
• Forge relationships with high schools and colleges that serve underserved populations, expanding bioscience training, research, and outreach into minority communities
• Engage diverse communities on the subjects of cancer prevention and treatment
• Enhance faculty diversity
• Amplify culturally sensitive care throughout DF/HCC institutions

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about IECD activities, events, and how to get involved. For questions or comments, please send us an email.

What do we mean by "cancer disparities"?

How do cancer disparities occur?