Male doctor with stethoscope checks heart rate of female patient wearing headscarf

Although the United States has made major strides in cancer research, treatment, and outcomes, not all individuals have benefited from this success. Since its founding more than 50 years ago, ASCO has been committed to advancing health equity in cancer care.

Most recently, ASCO issued its Health Equity Policy Statement calling for bolder, more aggressive steps to achieve equity for all individuals with cancer. The ASCO statement serves as a blueprint for the Society’s activities to ensure that all patients, no matter who they are or where they live, can receive the highest quality cancer care.

ASCO invites all stakeholders in the cancer care community to work toward achieving health equity in cancer research and care. Below is a wide range of resources to help ASCO members and the larger cancer community better understand and address health equity issues in cancer care. Please continue to check back on this page for the latest updates on this initiative.

Diversity in Oncology Workforce Initiative

Increasing the diversity of healthcare providers is essential to ensure high-quality cancer care is delivered to every person. ASCO has developed a range of educational programs, including mentoring and other educational initiatives, to get closer to an oncology workforce that reflects the demographics of the US population it serves. Learn more.

Policy and Position Statements

ASCO has developed an extensive portfolio of policy and position statements focused on equity in cancer care in research. Statements include:

Resources, Education & Outreach

ASCO has developed resources and participated in a variety of educational programs to help the cancer community better understand existing barriers to health equity and discuss opportunities to address them.  

Equity Cancer Research 

Below are recent studies, articles, and research initiative focused health equities in cancer care.

Get Involved!

ASCO has launched a survey to help us better understand member awareness and perceptions about health equity in cancer care. All domestic members are encouraged to participate by January 15, 2021.

Achieving equity in cancer research and care will require all stakeholders in the cancer community to do their part. More opportunities to get involved are coming in the near future. Stay tuned!