From Policy to Practice: NCCN Conference Explores Gender in the Cancer Workforce

“When I think about not doing this work and not focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in an intentional way, people are dying — that’s the truth of the matter,” Terrance Mayes, EdD, said during of the group discussion in September. 2024 Comprehensive National Cancer Policy Conference (NCCN). “We know that Black men are something like 19% more likely to die from cancer than White men, and Black women are 12% more likely than White women to die from cancer. These they are real experiences that affect the lives of individuals.”

The keynote address that outlined the conference’s focus, “Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Cancer Workforce,” was given by Tiffany Wallace, PhD, branch director at the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Health Equity. Cancer.

After the keynote, a series of panel discussions highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and inclusion within cancer centers. The meetings explored strategies for maintaining this commitment in a changing policy environment, with input from a variety of experts and best practices from organizations across the country.

“Our work at NCCN has always been based on equity; we want to make sure that everyone has access to the latest recommendations based on consensus-based experts for cancer care, so all patients can live better lives,” Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO of NCCN, said in a statement.¹ “For nearly 30 years, the NCCN Guidelines have provided pathways that enable people with cancer to be treated according to the high-quality, evidence-based care that is best for them. In recent years, we have increased our focus on other factors that contribute to disparities in outcomes, including underrepresented groups in oncology care providers and clinical trials.

During the following discussion, Mayes, associate vice president for Equity and Strategic Initiatives and executive director of the Commission on Equity and Equity at Stanford University, joined key leaders to explore strategies for promoting an inclusive culture in the workplace. in the face of changing policy. the landscape and challenges posed by opposition to DEI initiatives.

Expert Opinion: Strategies for Advancing DEI in Cancer Care

Mayes and Danielle Coe Mitchell, CEO and founder of Black Women in Clinical Research, emphasized the importance of engaging with local communities and listening to their needs. Their approach encouraged collaboration with trusted local organizations such as pastors, barbers, and other community members to understand community needs instead of making assumptions.

They also talk about diverse representation in the workforce and research by emphasizing the importance of having workers and researchers who reflect the diversity of the communities served, as this can help build well and commitment.

“Different specialists hire different patients,” Mitchell said.

Rodney Tucker, MD, MMM, associate director of Access, Belonging, and Culture at the O’Neil Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, confirmed this, citing the need to carefully examine ways to including exclusion to improve academic representation. and advocate for a deliberate review of eligibility criteria to assess the need and potential to expand participation.

Eugene Manley Jr, PhD, founder and CEO of the STEMM & Cancer Health Equity Foundation, also emphasized the need for community development and commitment to improve access to equitable care. He advocated increasing diversity in oncology staff and reflecting lived experiences in service providers to improve care delivery.

Providing promising entry and career development support to create pathways for individuals, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, was another strategy that speakers what they said about you. Lauren Wall, MS, executive director, Office of Cancer Support, University of Chicago Cancer Center, spoke about looking for signs of success in planting the next generation of health care , cancer and research experts.

Mayes emphasized that successful implementation of DEI’s policies must begin with the company’s leadership. Incorporating DEI goals into performance reviews and incentive structures is a great sign of commitment.

“When I see a clear, visible leadership commitment in this work, that is a sign that the organization is moving in the right direction,” he said. “When authoritarian leadership defines, articulates, and advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and diversity.”

Current Challenges in Developing DEI in Health Care

Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, MSHQS, senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Ochsner Health, emphasized that achieving equitable outcomes in cancer care depends on addressing workforce diversity through the lens of good health.

Chyke A. Doubeni, MD, MPH, chief health equity officer at The Ohio State University Cancer Center, emphasized the need for a culture of compassion and inclusion in all areas of health care. He said: “Health care services, workplaces, schools and research activities must be inclusive of all people.” It is important to work together as a community to identify our shared values ​​and create diverse and inclusive societies and communities.

Speakers acknowledged obstruction and legal challenges against DEI programs, including targeted scholarship restrictions. Heather Alarcon, JD, senior director of Legal Services at the Association of American Medical Colleges, explained that some institutions have become overly cautious, avoiding DEI programs unnecessarily. He encouraged employers to follow legally mandated diversity promotion practices and ensure a strong talent-oriented recruitment process across the board.

Overall, the NCCN Policy Forum served as a platform for thought leaders in oncology to share insights and strategies to build an inclusive cancer workforce that serves everyone better. This event highlighted the importance of continued commitment to DEI as an important part of the project to improve cancer care and outcomes.

Reference

1. The NCCN Policy Forum explores how to build an inclusive cancer center work culture that works best for everyone. News release. NCCN. September 10, 2024. Accessed September 13, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nccn-policy-summit-explores-how-to-build-an-inclusive-cancer-center-workplace -culture -that-better-serve-all-302244098.html