mission control

Cancer Stage Shifting Initiative

The mission of the Cancer Stage Shifting Initiative is to move us from late stage to early- stage diagnosis and treatment of cancer, improving cancer care and reducing cancer deaths for all, with a particular focus on equity and underrepresented populations.

Stage shifting will require system changes brought on by a coordinated effort that involves advocacy, education, communications and outreach, upgrading of clinical trial processes, and associated demonstration studies to develop evidence focused on the screening, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in minority populations. These components work together to operate as a learning community where the bench and bedside are integrated into a stage-shifting maneuver to eliminate inequities.

About Cancer Moonshot

The cancer experience — of getting a cancer diagnosis, surviving cancer, losing someone to cancer — has touched virtually every American family.

President Biden has reignited the Cancer Moonshot and set a new national goal: if we work together, we can cut the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years, and improve the experience of people and their families living with and surviving cancer.

NMQF is proud to work in alignment with Cancer Moonshot, on the Cancer Shifting Stage Initiative (CSSI).

GOAL: Reduce Cancer Deaths by 50% Over 25 Years

Estimated Cancer Deaths (2022)

609,360

Estimated Goal (based on 2022 numbers)

304,980

Cancer Moonshot Goals - Reduce Cancer Deaths by 50% (Estimation)

Stage shifting will require system changes brought on by a coordinated effort that involves advocacy, education, communications and outreach, upgrading of clinical trial processes, and associated demonstration studies to develop evidence focused on the screening, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in minority populations.

LEADERSHIP

Meet the team

Working collaboratively to advance equitable cancer care.

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Gary A. Puckrein

National Minority Quality Forum
President & CEO

Gary A. Puckrein

National Minority Quality Forum
President & CEO

"I urge you to remember that Americans often grow impatient when they cannot see light at the end of the tunnel -when policies do not overnight usher in a new order. But politics is not magic." — President Lyndon B. Johnson, 1966 "Similar to President John, what is important now is technology, and we can see the light in the tunnel. We can get better outcomes for equitable cancer care, for every person. We have the capabilities to provide everyone access to high-quality care, lower the risk for hospitalizations, and make it, so the system is there for you so that we manage cancer care."

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Adjoa Kyerematen

National Minority Quality Forum
VP of Communications
& Public Affairs

Adjoa Kyerematen

National Minority Quality Forum
VP of Communications
& Public Affairs

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Lina Victoria Mata-McMurry

National Minority Quality Forum
VP of Clinical & Social Research & Development

Lina Victoria Mata-McMurry

National Minority Quality Forum
VP of Clinical & Social Research & Development

We have all been affected by cancer in one way or another. Earlier cancer detection improves survival, clinical outcomes, and quality of life. Access to screening for earlier cancer detection needs to be available for everyone.

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Gretchen C. Wartman

National Minority Quaity Forum
VP for Policy

Gretchen C. Wartman

National Minority Quaity Forum
VP for Policy

"The cracks we have in the system are not by accident. We must address policies to make effective and real CHANGE."

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Michael DeSalvo Solarte

Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality & Equity
Quality Improvement &
Equity Project Manager

Michael DeSalvo Solarte

Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality & Equity
Quality Improvement &
Equity Project Manager

"Access to medical care should not be a privilege, but a human right. A country with a fair system cannot allow these inequities to remain."

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Laura Lee Hall

Center for Sustainable Health Care
Quality and Equity
President

Laura Lee Hall

Center for Sustainable Health Care
Quality and Equity
President

We are honored to be working with clinicians and community leaders nationwide to promote health equity at the local level.  Passionate champions are promoting vaccine access and acceptance, cancer screenings, and improved diabetes outcomes in underserved communities of color.

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Kevin Conroy

Exact Sciences
Chairman and CEO

Kevin Conroy

Exact Sciences
Chairman and CEO

“Our vision at Exact Sciences is to eradicate cancer and the suffering it causes through tests that detect cancer earlier – and we can’t do that alone. Through partnerships with organizations like NMQF, we are working to ensure all patients have access to cancer screening.”

Our Why

We asked the NMQF team to share why they wanted to help lower cancer mortality rates and what it could mean for health equity as a whole.

CONTACT US

National Minority Quality Forum is a research and educational organization dedicated to ensuring that high-risk racial and ethnic populations and communities receive optimal health care. This nonprofit, nonpartisan organization integrates data and expertise in support of initiatives to eliminate health disparities.

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