
Advancing Digital Innovation to Improve Equity and Reduce Financial Toxicity in Cancer Care and Research
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S.
These deaths are inequitably distributed and those patients who do survive are 2.5 times more likely to declare bankruptcy than those without disease.
Cancer affects all population groups in the U.S. However, due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages, certain groups bear a disproportionate burden of cancer compared with other groups. Digital innovation holds promise to minimize health access, outcome, and economic disparities associated with cancer but, right now, it is just that: a promise.
It’s time to break down the barriers to digital innovation use in oncology.
In order to deliver on the potential to improve the lives of all people with cancer, we must prioritize high-impact opportunities and insist on access, equity, and inclusion when developing and deploying digital solutions.
We’re here to do just that. The CancerX team is championing high-quality innovation in cancer, addressing methodological gaps where they exist, and defining best practices for successful and equitable implementation. By doing so, our work will provide the oncology field with a path forward for tapping into the promise of digital innovation across the full continuum of care.
Develop Your Health System’s Digital Strategy

Terms to Know
Equity in Access to Cancer Care
Flip to see content
Financial Toxicity
Flip to see content
Financial toxicity refers to the cumulative impact of the economic, health, and psychosocial harm caused by the direct and indirect expenses that accrue to patients and their families as a result of a cancer diagnosis.Its potential results include material hardship, psychosocial distress, and treatment non-adherence. (Adapted from: 1, 2, 3, 4)
Partners
A diverse, multi-stakeholder team of leaders in cancer care, research, digital innovation, and regulatory science – alongside patient experts – are digging into the root causes of health inequity and financial toxicity in cancer. This work will help accelerate human-centered digital innovation to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing cancer patients, providers, and researchers.
