2022: The Year of the Equity Donor

Jan 20, 2022

For more than 35 years, ASCO has relied on donor support to address critical gaps in research and care. In 2020, Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, called on oncology leaders to support bold but practical initiatives to help achieve greater equity in cancer care—and a host of generous donors have answered. As 2022 begins, the commitment to funding research remains, with a stronger focus on funding programs aimed at equity, diversity, and inclusion.

“On behalf of Janssen Oncology, we are honored to partner with ASCO in addressing obstacles that have led to disparities in clinical trial access and participation among underserved minorities,” said Craig Tendler, MD, vice president of Oncology Clinical Development and Global Medical Affairs for Janssen Oncology, which will fund Career Development Awards (CDA) through Conquer Cancer’s Grants & Awards Program. “These CDAs will play a key role in supporting junior faculty members dedicated to this critical mission.” 

Equity, diversity, and inclusion support will scale Conquer Cancer’s Grants & Awards Program and advance ASCO’s commitment to:

  • Diversify the oncology workforce
  • Increase participation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials
  • Increase funding for research grants that address diversity, inclusion, and health equity
  • Provide training for providers to address gaps in health equity and inclusion
  • Ensure equitable access to cancer care for every patient

To date, more than $10 million has been raised to support grants, awards, and ASCO programs dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Donor interest in scaling support for equitable care was sparked by 2020–2021 ASCO president Lori J. Pierce, MD, FASTRO, FASCO, whose presidential theme was “Equity: Every Patient. Every Day. Everywhere.” The momentum continues following the announcement of “Advancing Equitable Cancer Care Through Innovation” as the presidential theme selected by 2021–2022 ASCO president Everett E. Vokes, MD, FASCO.

“These issues of inequity are not new. Both the oncology community and broader medical establishment have long grappled with them,” said Sybil R. Green, JD, RPh, MHA, ASCO’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. “The difference now is we have the tools, vision, and commitment to act sustainably. With support from Conquer Cancer donors, ASCO can continue dedicating resources to research, building a more diverse oncology workforce and improving the quality of care for patients everywhere.”

equity donor logo collage

Donors as of November 8, 2021.

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