What are "Cancer Health Disparities"?
Wards 7 & 8 are East of the River, and are home to the highest cancer rates in the District. The Initiative's location in Southeast Washington, DC is centrally located in Ward 6.
The National Cancer Institute defines "cancer health disparities" as "differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of cancer and related adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States." There are several factors that contribute to health disparities. Many different populations are affected by disparities including racial and ethnic minorities, residents of rural areas, women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The overarching goal of the Georgetown-Lombardi Health Disparities Initiative is to impact the residents of the District of Columbia to reduce disparities in the cancer burden among the different ethnic minority groups and the underserved populations. It is our plan to work closely with the impoverished wards in the District, with particular emphasis on Wards East of the River.
