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Celebrating Diversity in Cancer Care

Posted 7 months ago in Cancer Awareness

Celebrating Diversity

April is Celebrate Diversity Month, a celebration initiated in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, organizers hope that people will gain a deeper understanding of each other, diversity of the world and is a time of understanding differences whether gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, or other factors.

Understanding cultural diversity in healthcare is a vital part of our role on the healthcare team. Culture —including customs, beliefs, and values—can influence how people understand health concepts, how they take care of their health, and how they receive medical advice and make health decisions (AHRQ). By taking time to learn about and respect the cultural differences of others, we can serve our patients and peers in a more compassionate way. 

We not only work with diverse patient populations but also multi-generational patients and coworkers.  It's not uncommon for 3-5 generations to be working together. From traditionalists to Gen Z's, each generation has its own styles, perspectives, priorities and experiences.  For more information see How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Workplace and Generational Differences in the Workplace [Infographic].  

National Minority Health

April is also National Minority Health Month (NMHM). During NMHM, National Minority Cancer Awareness Week (NMCAW) provides a more specific opportunity to raise awareness about cancer-related health disparities. -George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences 

Disparities in Cancer Care

Cancer affects all population groups in the United States, but due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages, certain groups bear a disproportionate burden of cancer compared with other groups. 

Population groups that may experience cancer disparities include groups defined by race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, geographic location, income, education, age, sexual orientation, national origin, and other characteristics. - National Cancer Institute

“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” – Jane Goodall, English primatologist and anthropologist

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