MASCC Statement on Addressing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Health Disparity
At MASCC, we bring together clinicians, healthcare professionals, patient advocates and researchers worldwide to advance supportive care in cancer. We are committed to creating a global supportive care community that values and respects all healthcare providers, patients, and their caregivers, with a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, regardless of their background, age, gender, race, culture, sexual identity, socioeconomic status, and disability.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in the following organizational practices:
Addressing Structural Inequities: MASCC recognizes the presence of structural inequities and systemic biases in supportive care research and clinical practice. Our commitment is to work with involved stakeholders and actively dismantle these obstacles.
Culturally Competent Practice: MASCC empowers its members to cultivate culturally competent practices within their respective fields. Culturally competent care is crucial for providing personalized, effective, and respectful, supportive care to diverse patient populations.
Diverse Leadership and Membership: MASCC fosters a diverse leadership and membership that reflects the global supportive care community’s backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We will actively seek to amplify underrepresented voices and promote inclusivity.
Inclusive Research: MASCC promotes supportive care research practices that engage diverse populations and settings, including those that have been historically underserved and underrepresented. We will promote research addressing disparities in access to quality supportive care, especially for those facing barriers. MASCC will encourage diversity among research teams.
Increasing Awareness and Action: MASCC urges its members to advocate for increased access to high-quality supportive care and address inequities in care among healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers.
Integration of Patient and Caregiver Perspectives: MASCC recognizes the invaluable contributions of patients and caregivers to supportive care. We are committed to integrating their voices into our projects, initiatives, and guidelines to ensure our efforts are patient-centered and responsive to their needs.
As a global organization, MASCC remains committed to upholding our values by fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community in supportive care. We acknowledge that our strength lies in our diversity and expertise, and we pledge to leverage these resources to further the cause of equity, diversity, and inclusion for supportive care in cancer.
Additional Resources
Chan A et al. Cancer Medicine (2024).
Soto-Perez-de-Celis, E et al. Supportive Care in Cancer (2024).
