Diverse Voices in Cancer

This sample website is for demonstration purposes only. Names in the video are not of real people. The links below point to pages at BIDMC and DFCI for reference only. Consult your healthcare professional for any healthcare needs. 

We believe everyone deserves access to top-quality cancer care, regardless of their background. Our mission is to empower diverse communities with knowledge, resources, and support in the fight against cancer. Use this site to:

• Find a Cancer Screening Near You.

• Explore Clinical Trials.

• See Patient Cancer Stories.

About Us

DiverseCancerCare.org is an educational website developed by the Division of Clinical Informatics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center led by Yuri Quintana, PhD, Chief of DCI at BIDMC.

The website aims to bring to you resources from the Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center (BIDMC) and Dana Farber Cancer Center to help cancer patients. We're dedicated to:

• Increasing cancer screening rates among diverse populations.

• Encouraging participation in clinical trials.

• Educating about the importance of diversity in cancer care.

• Providing support and resources to cancer patients and their families.

Our approach is rooted in cultural sensitivity, respect for diverse beliefs, and a commitment to breaking down barriers in cancer care.

Cancer Screening

Early detection saves lives. Regular cancer screenings are crucial for catching cancer early when it's most treatable.

Find out which cancer screenings are right for you based on your age, gender, family history, and risk factors on the following websites.

At DFCI: 

1. • Cancer Prevention and Risk Reduction

   • Cancer Screening Recommendations

   • Multi-Cancer Early Detection Clinic 

At BIDMC:  

1. • Frequently Asked Questions: Prostate Cancer 

   • Colon Cancer Screening

   • Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis 

   • Diagnostic and Screening Mammograms 

   • Low-dose Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening Program 

Genetic Testing and Family History

Understanding your genetic makeup and family history is crucial in assessing your cancer risk.

• Genetic testing can reveal inherited mutations that increase cancer risk.

• A family history of cancer may indicate a higher personal risk.

• Early awareness allows for proactive prevention and screening strategies.

Speak with your healthcare provider about genetic testing and creating a personalized screening plan based on your family history.

Learn more about genetic testing at the following resources:

At DFCI: 

1. • Cancer Genetics and Prevention 

   • Ask the Cancer Genetics Team: Insurance Coverage 

   • Genetic Testing at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 

   • Cancer Mythbusters: Cancer Genetics and Prevention 

At BIDMC: 

1. • Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program

   • Cancer Genetic Testing What you need to know before you test

   • Considering Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancers 

Find a Clinical Trial

Clinical trials are vital for advancing cancer treatments and improving patient outcomes. Your participation can make a difference!

Learn more about Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIHM) a US government agency.

By joining a clinical trial, you can:

• Access cutting-edge treatments

• Contribute to medical research

• Potentially improve outcomes for yourself and others

• Find Clinical Trials at DFCI 

• Find Cancer Clinical Trials at BIDMC

Patient Stories

Real stories from real people in our community. Read about their cancer journeys, challenges, and triumphs.

• See some patient stories (DFCI).

• Take Control of Your Cancer Risk (DFCI)

• Living With Cancer Living With Cancer (BIDMC)

Healthcare Professionals

Meet the dedicated team of healthcare professionals and researchers working tirelessly to improve cancer care for all.

• Meet the Cancer Care team at DFCI

• Meet the Cancer Care team at BIDMC

Cancer Centers

Find top-quality cancer care near you. Our partner cancer centers offer state-of-the-art treatments and culturally sensitive care.

• Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center 

• Dana Farber Cancer Institute 

• Dana-Farber Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Collaboration  - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and its affiliated physician group, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians (HMFP), announced in September 2023 plans to collaborate with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber) to advance the future of cancer care and build the region’s only free-standing inpatient hospital for adult cancer patients.

Support Resources

You're not alone in this journey. Find support groups, financial assistance information, and other valuable resources here.

See support services:

• BIDMC Cancer Support Services

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Addressing Common Misconceptions

• Myth: Cancer is always fatal. 

  • Truth: Many cancers can be successfully treated, especially when caught early.

  • See these DFCI articles on Cancer Myths.

• Myth: Cancer treatment is too expensive. 

  • Truth: Many financial assistance programs are available to help with cancer care costs.

  • Financial Assistance at BIDMC.

  • Financial Assistance at DFCI 

• Myth: Clinical trials are risky and only for terminal patients. 

• Truth: Clinical trials are carefully regulated and can offer cutting-edge treatments at various stages of cancer.

• Cancer Mythbusters: Cancer Clinical Trials (DFCI) 

• Breast Cancer Myths Debunked (BIDMC) 

• Liver Donor Myths and Realities (BIMDC)

• Myths About Palliative Care (BIDMC)

Remember: Support services are available to help you navigate every step of your cancer journey.

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