Equity Statement
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical to achieving our mission, and reducing cancer disparities is an overarching goal of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. We need to make sure everyone has the ability to benefit from advancements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. All people deserve a fair and just opportunity to live longer, healthier lives; this is demonstrated through our Core Value of diversity and intentionally striving for equity through inclusion and respect.
We believe that we will not reach our mission if we are not inclusive of every community touched by cancer, actively working towards ending cancer disparities. We acknowledge that there is still much work to be done, in partnership with communities that have been disproportionately burdened by cancer and who experience greater obstacles to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survival. This includes Black people and African Americans; Hispanic/Latino people; Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders; Indigenous people and Alaska Natives; LGBTQ+ people; and people with disabilities. This work must take an intersectional approach; that is, understanding that people have overlapping identities, which are varied, complex, and shaped by the systems they interact with. Health is not always “one size fits all,” and we must be intentional, thoughtful, and inclusive if we are to have long-lasting impact.