ACS Research to Eliminate Disparities

After immigrating to the US in 1978 to escape the consequences of the Iranian Revolution, Parvin Atabay dedicated her life to finding ways to promote human and women’s rights, especially for Iranian women. While working as a skin care specialist, first on the East Coast and later in Los Angeles, Parvin Atabay remained involved in humanitarian projects and supported many voluntary health organizations, including the American Cancer Society (ACS).

One of the latest ACS research studies, conducted by professor Karen Freund, focuses on cancer care for patients of color, with low income, or with housing insecurity. People belonging to these groups are less likely to get proper cancer care, in part because of the many concerns that come before their own health. The solution that Karen Freund proposes is that of patient navigators, meaning trained laypeople who can help patients diagnosed with cancer get the care they need. Their work consists of making sure cancer care is not neglected while also helping patients navigate the complex health care system.

Research showed how patients dealing with social disparities who received patient navigation had the same completion of treatment rate as other more advantaged patients. This meant no delays in treatment that are usually common in patients of color or with low income.

However, more research is needed for patient navigation to become a standard of care and to be customized for each patient. The ACS grant will allow professor Freund to continue with her research on health disparities for the next decade.