Dear Leaders in Cancer Community Health, Happy New Year! As I pen these words, it’s hard to believe that we have crossed the threshold into a new decade, especially given how 2020 had presented many challenges that affected how we worked, socialized, and even cared for ourselves. Concerning lung cancer, COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on patients. Many individuals have reported feeling more isolated and fearful due to the shelter-in-place protocols many communities have adopted. The pandemic also prevented individuals from getting routine health checks, resulting in a dramatic reduction in cancer screenings and essential oncology diagnostic services. For vulnerable communities, the effect of this crisis has been even more pronounced, especially in racial and ethnic minority populations who may have limited access to quality health care. And yet, even with all of these challenges, I am optimistic about the promises 2021 has in store for us. As the vaccines start to make inroads against the pandemic, it is more important than ever that we be responsive and agile in an ever-changing situation by paying close attention to what we observe in our communities and reaching out to those who are medically the most vulnerable among us. I also feel encouraged when I work with many of you in your ongoing efforts to fight health disparities for the communities that you serve. Thank you for being hopeful at just the right moments: those are the moments that help keep us moving forward. Sincerely, Jeanne Regnante News You Can UseExpert Roundtable Recommendations to Address Health Care Disparities in Medically Underserved CommunitiesThe online January 2021 issue of JCO Oncology Practice published an Expert Roundtable on the challenges of addressing health disparities for medically underserved communities. The article, which featured Jeanne Regnante, LUNGevity’s chief health equity officer, as one of its authors, sought to identify some of the most common causes of health inequities while providing sustainable solutions. A blog post from the authors was recently published that expanded on the applications of the findings. Congress Expands Clinical Trial Access for Medicaid BeneficiariesIn December, Congress passed the Clinical Treatment Act, which extended the ability to join lifesaving clinical trials and treatment to the estimated 41.6 million US patients currently on Medicaid. The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support, is believed to be a major step in increasing the diversity of participants in clinical trials while helping to reduce disparities in treatment outcomes for people with chronic illnesses. Lung Cancer Mortality Rates Experience Record-Breaking Drop for Second Year in a RowAccording to a recent American Cancer Society report, overall cancer death rates in the United States have decreased by 31% from 1991 through 2018, driven in part by growing success in lung cancer treatments. The study, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, and its consumer version, Cancer Facts & Figures 2021, does not account for the effects of COVID-19 on lung cancer patients and mortality rates. ResourcesWith COVID-19 vaccines now available, there’s a lot of confusion among cancer patients — as well as their oncologists and caregivers — as to how the vaccine will affect them. To address these concerns, LUNGevity’s Scientific Advisory Board has compiled a list of ten questions that patients should review with their treatment team. This list of questions will be expanded in the future and we hope it is helpful in your communication efforts with the communities that you serve. Does your community have additional questions regarding available services for lung cancer patients and their caregivers? If so, please visit our resources page for helpful links to cancer organizations, survivor support, and patient advocacy groups. You can also dial our Lung Cancer HELPLine at 1-844-360-5864 to speak with an oncology social worker about your inquiries. The HELPLine is available Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. |