How HCPs Can Advance Patient-Centered Care and Clinical Trial Diversity


Ahead of World Cancer Day, BDO hosted a conversation between Ricki Fairley, Monique Gary, MD, and Daneen Sekoni of Cancer Support Community (CSC) offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals on patient-centered care, diversity in clinical trials, and comprehensive support for cancer patients. Their discussion highlights critical areas where healthcare professionals can make a significant impact in improving cancer care outcomes, particularly for Black patients.

What is the Cancer Support Community?

The Cancer Support Community (CSC) is a global non-profit organization that provides free support, education, and hope to people affected by cancer.

What they do:

  • Support groups: Led by licensed therapists, these groups offer a safe space to connect with others facing similar challenges.
  • Educational workshops: Covering topics like treatment options, side effects, and healthy living.
  • Mind-body programs: Yoga, meditation, and other techniques to manage stress and improve well-being.
  • Social activities: Opportunities to connect with others and have fun in a supportive environment.
  • Resources and referrals: Connecting people with financial aid, transportation, and other services.

Patient-Centered Care and Comprehensive Support

Daneen Sekoni, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at CSC, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to providing holistic support: “We focus on providing what we call free psychosocial and emotional support services to everyone impacted by cancer… That’s a patient, that’s a caregiver or a survivor.” This approach recognizes that cancer care extends beyond just medical treatment.

Sekoni highlights the importance of addressing various aspects of a patient’s life: “We want a system that factors in that we’re not monoliths… And that there are so many factors outside of health that impact us.” Healthcare professionals should consider these broader factors when developing treatment plans and providing care.

“You can call our helpline, and you can talk to them… they may be able to recommend some local resources in your community,” Sekoni explains. Healthcare professionals should be aware of these resources and consider recommending them to patients who may benefit from additional support.

Diversity in Clinical Trials

Ricki Fairley from TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, shares impressive statistics on their efforts to increase diversity in clinical trials: “We’ve now screened 22,645 Black women into our clinical trial portal.” However, she emphasizes that this is still not sufficient: “I’m proud of that number, but it’s not enough.”

Fairley highlights a critical issue with current FDA guidelines on clinical trial diversity: “The FDA put out this mandate about clinical trial diversity plans… It’s for phase three trials.” She explains why this is problematic: “By the time you’re in stage 3, the drug’s in the birth canal.” Healthcare professionals should advocate for earlier inclusion of diverse populations in clinical trials.

Dr. Monique Gary, a breast cancer surgeon, emphasizes the importance of patient engagement in clinical trials: “The very fact that patients are lining up, signing up 10,000 people who are ready to do something… It’s up to us to figure out how to engage them.” Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in educating patients about clinical trial opportunities and facilitating their participation.

Biological Differences and Personalized Medicine

The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing biological differences in cancer and treatment efficacy among different populations. Fairley shares a striking example: “Immunotherapy, the way the immune system is built, it doesn’t work on white prostate cancer. But guess what it works on? Black.” This underscores the need for diverse representation in clinical trials and personalized treatment approaches.

Dr. Gary emphasizes the need to move beyond stereotypes: “We can stop blaming it on obesity and social determinants of health and poverty.” Healthcare professionals should focus on understanding and addressing biological differences that impact treatment efficacy.

Policy and Advocacy

Sekoni’s role in policy and advocacy highlights the importance of healthcare professionals being aware of and involved in policy-making. She explains her work: “I work with federal and state lawmakers to amplify the voices of all people impacted by cancer, to make sure that any policies that have an impact on people impacted by cancer… that their needs, preferences, wants, and, perspectives and perceptions are included in policy making.”

Healthcare professionals should consider advocating to improve patient care and outcomes. This could involve supporting policy changes that promote earlier screening, increase access to care, or improve diversity in clinical trials.

Improving Doctor-Patient Communication:

Dr. Gary raises an important point about better communication between doctors and patients: “How do I get you to see me? How do I get you to see me, doctor?” She suggests organizing discussions to address these issues: “Let’s do it and sit down and really get real close the doors, turn the cameras off, and, like, talk about it.”

Healthcare professionals should be aware of potential biases and work on improving their communication with patients. This includes actively listening to patients’ concerns, considering their individual experiences, and involving them in treatment decisions.

Early Detection and Screening

The discussion touches on the importance of early detection, particularly for younger patients. Fairley notes, “40 percent of triple-negative breast cancer is women under 40.” This highlights the need for healthcare professionals to consider earlier screening for high-risk populations and to be vigilant about symptoms in younger patients.

This discussion offers several key takeaways for healthcare professionals:

1. Recognize the importance of comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses psychosocial needs alongside medical treatment.
2. Advocate for and support diversity in clinical trials, particularly in earlier phases of drug development.
3. Be aware of and consider biological differences that may impact treatment efficacy among different populations.
4. Engage in policy and advocacy efforts to improve cancer care and outcomes.
5. Work on improving doctor-patient communication and addressing potential biases.
6. Consider earlier screening and detection strategies, particularly for high-risk populations.

As Dr. Gary summarizes, “2025 is it. And for me, it’s the year of data.” Healthcare professionals have a crucial role to play in advancing cancer care, promoting diversity in research, and ultimately improving outcomes for all patients, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

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