Chapter 1: Health Equity
Rooted in Equity: Cancer Prevention and Care for All Californians
California's 10-Year Cancer Plan puts health equity at the center of its efforts to reduce cancer disparities across all communities. The plan focuses on ensuring everyone—regardless of race/ethnicity, income, geography, age, sexual orientation/gender identity or other factors—has access to cancer prevention, quality care, and support throughout the cancer continuum. Throughout the plan, each chapter presents strategies and action steps designed to address systemic issues that lead to health disparities. The Health Equity chapter is grounded in addressing the upstream drivers of health, which improve other areas of the cancer continuum. The chapter specifically highlights the need to confront root causes of structural and systemic discrimination, inequities in policies and society known to impact health and well-being, as well as access to timely, high-quality, and affirming care.
The first priority addresses the root causes of health inequalities, such as food insecurity, lack of housing, and limited access to healthcare. It encourages partnerships between health systems, community organizations, housing services, and other groups to support both medical and non-medical needs, like transportation or access to healthy food. It includes mental health and social connection as key components of cancer prevention.
The second priority aims to reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses, especially among groups that have historically faced barriers to care. Underscoring the importance of advocacy, this priority promotes culturally competent, affirming and in-language care, better access to mental health support, and more community engagement to help people understand their health and get the care they need.
By focusing on equity and community-based solutions, this plan creates a pathway to better health outcomes for all Californians.