Making Cancer Health Disparities History

The President of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) have made closing the gap in health disparities a top priority for our Nation. Selecting cancer health disparities as a model, HHS established, in 2003, the Trans-HHS Cancer Health Disparities Progress Review Group (PRG).

The unequal burden of disease in our society is not just a scientific and medical challenge. It also presents a moral and ethical dilemma for our Nation.

The reviewed status of health disparities related to cancer in our country and forged a common vision of how they could be reduced or eliminated. We have developed this Call to Action so that HHS can meet its objectives to:
• Define and describe issues related to cancer health disparities.
• Identify areas of strength, gaps, opportunities, and priorities to address cancer health disparities in research and intervention development.
• Facilitate the adoption and implementation of cancer research, policy, community programs, and clinical interventions and evaluate their impact on specific cancer health disparities.
• Ensure unbiased access to continuous quality preventive care, early detection, and treatment of cancer for every American.