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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.

Take a look at our 2023 Endpoints Report for insights on Phase 1 of the CSSI Action Plan, which launched in the fourth quarter of 2022.

About The Initiative

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

The Initiative 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 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

Initiative 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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Audrea Juny Simpson

Genentech
Head of Health Equity, Customer Engagement

Audrea Juny Simpson

Genentech
Head of Health Equity, Customer Engagement

"At Genentech, we envision a healthcare system that is diverse and inclusive, accountable and trustworthy to patients. To achieve this vision, we aim to advance a more equitable and just healthcare system, diversify the scientific and medical workforce, and collaborate with trusted organizations like NMQF, to ensure all communities thrive. We cannot advance health equity alone. Therefore, we are working to build deep partnerships and co-create lasting solutions that address the manifestations and drivers of inequities in healthcare - from education to care delivery."

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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.”

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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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Kelelaye Emiru

National Minority Quality Forum
VP, Center for Professional and Strategic Alliances

Kelelaye Emiru

National Minority Quality Forum
VP, Center for Professional and Strategic Alliances

"In a country with unparalleled healthcare spending, it's disgraceful that preventable suffering and deaths continue at such alarming rates. The glaring disparities in health outcomes based on income, race and ethnicity emphasize the urgent need to address inequities head-on. Fortunately, we possess the potential to unlock healing and equity through compassion and kindness, leveraging our collective knowledge and advanced technology."

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Gretchen C. Wartman

National Minority Quality Forum
VP, Center for Public Policy

Gretchen C. Wartman

National Minority Quality Forum
VP, Center for Public 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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Jenine Caulkins

National Minority Quality Forum
SVP of Center for Clinical & Social Research

Jenine Caulkins

National Minority Quality Forum
SVP of Center for Clinical & Social Research

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Sharon Thomas, MS

National Minority Quality Forum
Sr. Program Manager, CSSI

Sharon Thomas, MS

National Minority Quality Forum
Sr. Program Manager, CSSI

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Ernest Smiley, MS, MBA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, CDPSE

National Minority Quality Forum
SVP and CISO, Center for Health Information Strategy & Services

Ernest Smiley, MS, MBA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, CDPSE

National Minority Quality Forum
SVP and CISO, Center for Health Information Strategy & Services

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Akeia Blue, MPH, MS

National Minority Quality Forum
President, Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality & Equity

Akeia Blue, MPH, MS

National Minority Quality Forum
President, Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality & Equity

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.

Partners

Genentech

Exact Sciences

Bayer

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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