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Center Initiatives

Initiative to Eliminate Cancer Disparities

About IECD

History and Vision

When DF/HCC was established in 2000, its leaders recognized the need to increase innovative research in cancer disparities. At the time, each member institution had its own strategy for assessing patients’ racial/ethnic identity and addressing disparities, and each maintained independent relationships with the communities in which they served. A long-term, integrated effort was needed.

DF/HCC created the Initiative to Eliminate Cancer Disparities (IECD), committing substantial faculty time and financial resources on an ongoing basis to the complexities of cancer disparities. As a centralized initiative, the IECD is transforming how member institutions work together, including a major focus on cancer disparities in underserved communities. Our goal is to overcome barriers, improve understanding, and facilitate patient access to clinical trials. By bringing intellectual and organizational resources to bear on these issues, the IECD is emerging as a pivotal resource at DF/HCC.

IECD Leadership

Associate Director
Karen Emmons, PhD

Dr. Karen Emmons is the associate director of the IECD and a professor of Society, Human Development, and Health at Harvard School of Public Health. She also serves as deputy director of the Center for Community-Based Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Emmons is the leader of the DF/HCC Health Communication Core. Her interests are in elimination of cancer disparities, health communication, cancer prevention, and promotion of health-related behavior. Her studies have targeted women's health, smoking, passive smoking, nutrition, physical activity, and include an emphasis on underserved populations. Email: karen_m_emmons@dfci.harvard.edu. Phone: 617-632-5333.

Deputy Associate Director
Karen Burns White

As deputy associate director of the IECD, Karen Burns White coordinates DF/HCC efforts to increase minority participation in all levels of cancer research, including  programs for high-school and college students. She holds degrees in health information management and health care administration, and is a registered health information administrator. She has been an adjunct professor at Northeastern University in Health Information Management. She also serves on numerous boards and committees including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Horizons for Homeless Children, and the Massachusetts Health Information Management Association. Email: karen_burnswhite@dfci.harvard.edu. Phone: 617-632-3244.