Disease pattern, clinical presentation and therapeutic response can vary dramatically based on a number of factors including race/ethnicity, ancestral background, socioeconomic status and gender. Cancer clinical trials play an important role in developing new interventions to prevent, diagnose and treat all types of cancer. Diversity in cancer clinical trials is critical to the development of therapies that are effective in all populations, but racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in clinical trials.
Broadening participation in cancer clinical trials is a top priority for the SCI. Through our community engagement activities, we hope to gain a better understanding of the knowledge and attitudes about cancer clinical trials in our Greater Bay Area communities. The SCI aims to increase the diversity of participation in clinical trials to ensure that the results of the studies are relevant to the diverse populations in the areas we serve.