The Medically Underserved

The American Cancer Society is committed to addressing the cancer prevention and control needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged Americans through changes in public policies, partnerships with individuals and organizations who best understand specific health concerns among special populations, and targeted local programming. Since 1988, the Society has funded hundreds of community demonstration projects to provide cancer education messages and programs to the medically underserved of this country. In addition, the Society currently has over $2 million in research grants in effect in this area.

The Society has been an outspoken advocate for public policies to address the inequities and inadequacies in health care service delivery for the poor and medically underserved in this country. In 1995, the Society joined with other partners in sponsoring the 5th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved & Cancer, and in establishing the Intercultural Cancer Council to provide a forum for policy dissemination, action, and public education on the cancer control needs of the underserved (cancer screening and education, transportation, and patient service support) to the poor and underserved of our country. Overall, approximately 10 to 12 million adults in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations are reached annually with prevention programs.

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