Cancer Health Equity Symposium 2024
The California Consortium for Cancer Health Equity, led by USC Norris and City of Hope, hosted a full day hybrid symposium on February 15, 2024, to enhance collaboration throughout Southern California’s cancer provider networks and produce actionable outcomes to address barriers and improve access to cancer screenings, clinical trials, and high-quality care for underserved patients throughout the region in 2024 and beyond. Co-directed by Dr. Chanita Hughes Halbert, Associate Director for Cancer Equity at USC Norris and nationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and minority health research, and Dr. Loretta Erhunmwunsee, a surgeon-scientist at City of Hope Medical Center, the event was attended by roughly 200 people.
“Today’s symposium served as a dynamic platform, bringing together experts, researchers, and advocates committed to tackling disparities in cancer care access and outcomes,” said Dr. Chanita Hughes Halbert. “Together, we can develop innovative strategies ensuring equal access to quality care, nurturing a future where every individual finds support on their cancer journey.”
The morning sessions comprised talks by Drs. Laura Gottlieb (UCSF) and Brian Rivers (Morehouse Medical School), who discussed opportunities for the healthcare sector to recognize and tackle social adversity, as well as strategies for addressing social risk factors in cancer care.
Learn more at https://cancerhealthequity.usc.edu/
Conference Reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3tQHz1SVP_/
New book on Cancer Health Disparities
Dr. Chanita Hughes Halbert has edited a new collection of research on cancer health disparities out now at Springer Books and Amazon.
The field of cancer health disparities is now at a critical juncture where it is essential to move beyond descriptive information on determinants of disparities in cancer morbidity and mortality to translational studies that examine basic biological processes and how these processes interact with social, psychological, and behavioral factors to contribute to disparities in cancer risk and outcomes. Empirical evidence about the influence of multilevel determinants has grown, and now, more than ever, efforts are being made to translate this information into sustainable interventions for cancer prevention, control, and treatment.
Contributors include Hughes Halbert, Dr. Mariana Stern, Dr. John Carpten, Dr. Bettina Drake, and Dr. Robert Winn among other experts in this field. The book describes novel frameworks being used to understand cancer care and outcomes disparities and presents evidence-based interventions to achieve equity in cancer prevention, control, and care.
Topics in this first edition cover community-based interventions to address obesity, HPV vaccinations, chronic stress, and tobacco control, as well as improving patient navigation, access to early screening, and integrating social determinants of health into the cancer care continuum.
Black cancer patients navigate racial discrimination during cancer care
A research team from the Keck School of Medicine of USC and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, supported in part by the National Institutes of Health, has added new knowledge about how Black patients in particular are impacted by exposure to discrimination in the course of cancer care. Through interviews with Black cancer survivors, the scientists found that experiences with implicit and explicit bias occurred throughout the entire oncology care process, from scheduling appointments to doctor visits. The results included slowdowns in diagnosis and the delivery of care. Some patients even opted to diverge from recommended treatment. Co-author Chanita Hughes Halbert, PhD, noted that discrimination is a systemic problem that must be addressed on many levels, from policy to patient. “For providers to understand the lived experiences of patients is really critical,” to providing higher-quality care. Read more here.
The new Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention will aim to reduce cancer disparities in underserved communities
Dr. Chanita Hughes-Halbert, the USC Norris cancer center’s inaugural associate director for cancer equity, will serve as the project director for the newly endowed Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention. “We’re grateful for this trust and funding from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation,” said Hughes-Halbert, who also serves as vice chair for research in the Department of Population and Public Health Science at the Keck School of Medicine. “The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention will enable us to integrate, synergize and expand our ongoing efforts in community outreach and patient navigation to improve cancer care delivery in Los Angeles County.” Read the full story here.
Dr. Hughes Halbert honored by the NBME
Dr. Hughes Halbert was honored by the National Board of Medical Examiners for her extraordinary service as a member of the NBME. Approximately 80 members of NBME Membership constitute the governing body, composed of individuals with responsibility and expertise in the health professions, medical education and evaluation, medical practices, and representatives of national
professional organizations and the general public. NBME Membership has ultimate responsibility for
establishing policy for NBME. Dr. Hughes Halbert has also served on NMBE Stemmler Fund Steering Committee. The Stemmler Fund provides support for research and development of innovative assessment approaches that will enhance the evaluation of those preparing to or continuing
to practice medicine.Thank you for your service, Dr. Hughes Halbert!
