I’m Dr. Lisa Richardson. I am an oncologist and hematologist and have served as director of CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control for almost 9 years. As a public health practitioner and national champion for people with cancer and their families, I have the opportunity to affect meaningful change in cancer prevention and control that can save lives. The more than 18 million cancer survivors living in the United States is a testament to the work that the public health community and our partners are doing to address the needs of people who have or have had cancer. In recognition of National Cancer Survivor Month in June, I share several articles and resources that highlight important considerations in supporting the health and well-being of people who have or have had cancer.
1. Why the Language of Cancer Matters
Why 'lost their battle' with serious illness is the wrong thing to say | NPR
Why it matters: Cancer is a complicated disease that is deeply personal and different for everyone. Language is important in shaping our (mis)understandings of the diverse range of cancer experiences. Accurately, respectfully, and authentically representing these perspectives and experiences is critical to improving understanding of the impact cancer has on peoples’ lives.
2. Broadening the Reach of Prevention and Early Detection
Adults Who Have Never Been Screened for Colorectal Cancer, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2012 and 2020 | CDC
Why it matters: Cancer screening is one of the most powerful and underutilized tools we have to help lower peoples’ risk of cancer. Expanding outreach to eligible adults who have never been screened and addressing the barriers that prevent this group from getting screened as recommended represents a significant opportunity to reduce the cancer burden and save more lives.
3. Eliminating Cancer Disparities
AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2022 | American Association for Cancer Research
Why it Matters: Cancer disparities are driven by the social, economic, and environmental conditions that surround communities and limit its peoples’ access to care and ability to live healthy lives. Continued collaborations are needed with and beyond the scientific community to address disparities at multiple levels and ensure that advances against cancer benefit all patients, regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.
4. Using Data to Inform Community-Level Cancer Control Action
Getting More Local with Cancer Data | CDC
High-quality data is the backbone of public health and community cancer control. CDC is leading efforts to improve the reliability and usability of sub-county level data to help communities better target their cancer prevention and control activities.
5. Addressing Variations in Access and Cancer Care Delivery
Feasibility of Visualizing Cancer Incidence Data at Sub-County Level: Findings from 21 National Program of Cancer Registries | Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology
People are living longer than ever before with cancer thanks to advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer. But these advances do not benefit all groups equally. These differences may be linked to variations in access to and delivery of high-quality cancer care. Improving timely access to prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment is critical to improving equity and cancer outcomes for all people.
Image provided by Lisa Richardson, MD, MPH
