NCI’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) has announced the formation of the Cancer Equity Leaders (CEL) program to combat cancer health disparities and redefine the future of cancer health equity. This initiative brings together a distinguished group of thirteen cancer centers and academic medical leaders known for their expertise in cancer research.
Understanding Cancer Health Disparities
Cancer health disparities point to a complicated list of issues leading to unequal cancer burdens amongst varied populations.
People from low socioeconomic status (SES), racial/ethnic minorities, and those who live in underserved communities often experience higher rates of cancer incidence, later-stage diagnoses, and lower survival outcomes.
Access to healthcare services, education opportunities, and environmental conditions that promote healthy living are among the gaps contributing to these disparities.
The CEL team, co-chaired by NCI CRCHD Director Dr. Sanya A. Springfield and Dr. Karen Winkfield, Executive Director of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, will focus on three key objectives:
- Mapping the Landscape: The CEL will conduct a thorough assessment to identify strengths and gaps in the current cancer health equity infrastructure. This analysis will provide crucial insights for strategic planning.
- Prioritizing Needs: With a clear understanding of the landscape, the CEL will prioritize the most critical areas requiring intervention to expand institutional capacity and achieve equitable cancer care.
- Strategic Agenda Development: Informed by the assessment and needs prioritization, the CEL will develop a strategic agenda to enhance the National Cancer Plan, guiding NCI’s efforts towards a more equitable future.
The CEL members’ expertise will be used to advise diversity training programs at NCI, support the biomedical workforce pipeline, and improve community outreach and engagement efforts. Dismantling these obstacles is important so that marginalized populations can have access to quality cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Additionally, the CEL Planning Committee will hold a special event in 2025 to bring together diverse voices from across the field of cancer and promote deeper understanding as well as collaboration furthering NCI’s mission for health equity in cancer care.
CEL Members
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- John Carpten, Ph.D.
Dr. John D. Carpten, Ph.D., is the director of City of Hope’s cancer center, Beckman Research Institute, and serves as chief scientific officer. With expertise in genome science, health disparities research, and precision medicine, he advocates for equitable cancer care. As the first African-American chair of the National Cancer Advisory Board, he shapes national policy for diverse, accessible treatments. - Marcia Cruz-Correa, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Marcia Cruz-Correa, MD, PhD, is the Chief Medical Officer at PanOncology Trials. With over 19 years of continuous NIH funding, she specializes in gastrointestinal oncology and hereditary cancer. Committed to improving cancer patients’ lives globally, she mentors future physician-scientists at UPR Medical Sciences Campus and Johns Hopkins University and contributes to global cancer research and policy. - Chanita Hughes-Halbert, Ph.D.
Dr. Chanita Hughes-Halbert, is the Associate Director for Cancer Equity, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Southern California. A nationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and minority health. With a major focus on African American communities, she has committed her career to minimizing the inequities in cancer outcomes that afflict patients from marginalized areas. - Juanita Merchant, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Juanita L. Merchant, MD, PhD, is a Regents Professor and Chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University of Arizona. She is a renowned expert who was elected to the National Academy of Medicine and appointed to the National Institutes of Health Council of Councils. She has published over 75 research papers and holds board certifications in internal medicine and gastroenterology. - Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Dr. Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP, is a leading expert in hematologic cancers. He serves as president and executive director of Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and directs cancer care, research, and education efforts across the Atrium Health system. With a focus on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), he’s dedicated to improving treatments and has authored over 800 medical publications. He has also spoken extensively on MPNs worldwide. - Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D.
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG, is the President and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine. With expertise in patient care, research, and public health, she’s known for her ability to redesign complex organizations to meet modern challenges and ensure long-term success. - Kunle Odunsi, M.D., Ph.D.
Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, is the Director of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC), focusing on improving treatments for ovarian cancer. He guides research, patient care, and education, emphasizing collaboration and supporting young researchers. With expertise in immunotherapy, he explores immune system responses in ovarian cancer, leading breakthroughs in vaccine and T-cell therapies for extended remission rates. - Taofeek Owonikoko, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko, M.D., Ph.D., is a leading expert in lung cancer treatment and research. As the executive director of the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, he specializes in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine for adults. - Ben Ho Park, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD, is a leading oncologist at Vanderbilt University, specializing in breast cancer research and genetics. He’s known for identifying genetic targets crucial for improved breast cancer therapies. With degrees from top universities like the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania, he has shaped cancer care through his work at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins. - Yolanda Sanchez, Ph.D.
Dr. Yolanda (Yoli) Sanchez, PhD, is the Director and CEO of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, overseeing all cancer research, clinical programs, and funding. She holds joint responsibility for faculty recruitment and collaborates with state leaders on cancer concerns in New Mexico. - Selwyn Vickers, M.D.
Dr. Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS, is the President and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, renowned for his expertise in pancreatic cancer surgery and research, as well as leadership in addressing health disparities. - Cheryl Willman, M.D.
Dr. Cheryl Willman, M.D., is the Executive Director of Mayo Clinic Cancer Programs and Director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a pioneering physician-scientist in cancer individualized medicine, recognized for her innovative research translating into successful clinical trials. She has led multiple National Cancer Institute (NCI) initiatives, addressing cancer care disparities and serving in key leadership roles within AACR, ASH, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. - Robert Winn, M.D.
Dr. Rob Winn is the Director at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and leads with a focus on lung cancer research and health disparities, striving to empower underserved communities and ensure equitable access to advanced medical care.
About CRCHD
In 2001, The National Cancer Institute (NCI) founded the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) with the goal of addressing cancer’s uneven impact on our society. In this regard, CRCHD has played a very important role over the last 20 years:
- Promoting Diversity in the Workforce: Over 3000 underrepresented scientists in cancer research have benefited from initiatives such as the Continued Umbrella for Research Experiences (CURE).
- Enhancing Research Focus: CRCHD enhances NCI’s cancer research by encouraging collaboration across divisions and centers that make sure disparities are looked at.
- Building Regional Networks: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) has established seven regional networks to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and capacity building among disparities researchers and community organizations.
- Community Outreach: The National Outreach Network (NON), which connects researchers with various community groups, uses more than 24 community health educators based at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.
With this commitment to equity, along with the expertise of the newly formed CEL team, CRCHD is now more determined than ever to eliminate differences in cancer health outcomes while ensuring fair access to quality cancer care.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/crchd/about-health-disparities
- John Carpten, Ph.D.
