Coming to You from ASCO ’22: Friday, June 3
Looking for the latest ASCO news? Golin Health has you covered. We’re bringing you daily reports of all things oncology at ASCO 2022 from June 4–7. Expect a recap with the quote of the day, all the major trends from the previous day’s sessions, and the breaking news that has top-tier and trade outlets buzzing.
The Quote of The Day
“It doesn’t matter who owns the ‘top technology’; what matters is we’re helping our patients."
Top Trends and Takeaways
Addressing inequities in cancer care both nationally and globally.
The theme for this year’s ASCO conference is “Advancing equitable cancer care through innovation.” Therefore, it was no surprise that the disparities in cancer care facing underrepresented communities at home and in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) abroad were a major topic of conversation. Dr. Bishal Gyawali of Queens University in Ontario, Canada, delved into some of the specifics: Less than 25% of cancer patients globally receive safe, affordable, timely cancer surgeries, and more than 50% of cancer patients in LMICs lack access to necessary treatment.
These troubling statistics are largely due to a lack of available and affordable treatment options. While Dr. Gyawali pointed out that clinical trials could help improve access to such treatments, they cannot come at the expense of a sound standard of care—for example, if the standard of care for a particular cancer is chemotherapy, clinical trials should not be conducted in countries where chemotherapy’s availability is limited. Dr. Gyawali concluded that investing in meaningful clinical trials for LMICs could be the best path forward. The investigational medicine being tested should provide a substantial mortality benefit, come at a feasible price, and be available in the countries in which it’s tested, should approval be granted.
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The importance of prevention
As Dr. Robin Yabroff, Scientific Vice President, Health Services at the American Cancer Society pointed out, when thinking about cancer care, we often overlook effective preventive measures with proven track records. To illustrate this point, Dr. Yabroff spoke to the role of tobacco ad bans and health warning labels in helping to reduce the number of cancer deaths caused by cigarette smoking, the role of HPV vaccinations in preventing cervical cancer, and Medicaid expansion’s association with improved access to care and survivorship.
Unfortunately, but perhaps predictably, the areas of the U.S. in which cancer incidence and mortality are the highest are the ones in which adoption of such preventive measures is the lowest. If we’re going to get serious about defeating cancer, we have to be proactive.
The LGBT+ experience—and how to better document it
Much of the focus in terms of inequities in cancer care has been around those faced by people of racial and ethnic minorities—and rightfully so. But a similar concerted effort is needed to spark change in the care of LGBT+ cancer patients, who face unique challenges. At least seven specific cancers disproportionately affect LGBT+ people, and as Dr. Matthew Schabath, Associate Member in Cancer Epidemiology at the Moffitt Cancer Center, explained, we say at least because reliable data just doesn’t yet exist. We cannot understand the full extent of the disproportionate reality these patients face until better collection methods are implemented.
Dr. Schabath outlined that sexual orientation/gender identity questions, when worded appropriately, can produce impressive response rates and sound data that will inform an approach to eliminating disparities in cancer care. Additionally, he and his co-presenters outlined the following best practices to making LGBT+ patients comfortable in a healthcare setting:
Additional buzzworthy news
For more of the online conversation related to #ASCO2022, see below for the most buzzworthy news
Golin Health recognizes the magnitude of the challenges in oncology, as well as the breadth and scope of innovation and possibilities yet to be realized. Today’s ASCO sessions have highlighted the fact that, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors – cancer affects all of us and is a challenge we must face together.