Improving Cancer Survival by Understanding Racial

1. NCI Disparities Leadership. From left, NCI Deputy Director Dr. Mark Clanton, NCI Center for Cancer Health Disparities Deputy Director Dr. Nadarajen A. Vydelingum, and former Center for Cancer Health Disparities Director (and current advisor to the NCI Director) Dr. Harold P. Freeman.

NCI Disparities Leadership. From left, NCI Deputy Director Dr. Mark Clanton, NCI Center for Cancer Health Disparities Deputy Director Dr. Nadarajen A. Vydelingum, and former Center for Cancer Health Disparities Director (and current advisor to the NCI Director) Dr. Harold P. Freeman.

2. Cancer survivor HollyAnna Pinkham, a member of the Yakama tribe, worked with a patient navigator in setting up programs for cancer patients and their families. She models a traditional buckskin dress handed down within her family.(Photo: HollyAnna Pinkham)

3. The patient navigator can help cancer patients navigate the maze of health care options, potentially increasing survival rates.

Impact of Screening and Patient Navigation on Breast Cancer 5-year Survival Rates - Harlem Hospital Center - This table shows that the five year survival rate before access to screening and patient navigation (1964-1986) was 39%, compared to a 70% five year survival rate after access to screening and patient navigation (1995-2000).