Chapter 6: Treatment
Improving Cancer Care and Support in California
Every Californian facing cancer deserves care that is accessible, affordable, high-quality, and tailored to their needs and values. To make this a reality, California must expand access to both medical and supportive services throughout the cancer care journey—including clinical trials, supportive services, evidence-based treatments, and palliative care.
Improving Access to Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are critical for developing better cancer treatments. They help make future care safer, more effective, and more inclusive. However, many groups—especially communities of color and low-income populations—have historically been left out due to barriers such as lack of access, information, and trust.
To change this, California must remove barriers to participation and actively engage underrepresented communities. This includes addressing systemic inequalities, racism, and the social factors that affect who can participate in research.
Expanding Supportive Services
In addition to medical treatment, non-medical support services—like counseling, nutrition guidance, exercise programs, and transportation—are a vital part of quality cancer care. These services help patients and caregivers manage stress, maintain their health, and feel supported during and after treatment.
California must ensure these services are widely available, easy to access, and covered by insurance so that no patient is left without the support they need.
Reducing Delays and Barriers to Care
Cancer care should not be delayed by insurance issues or system-level obstacles. To improve access, the state must invest in local cancer care facilities and train a strong healthcare workforce, especially in underserved areas.
Expanding awareness of and access to palliative care and building stronger partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations, will help deliver more complete and compassionate care.
Strengthening Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Everyone deserves timely, compassionate care. California aims to expand the palliative care workforce, promote early conversations about care preferences, and strengthen ties between healthcare systems and communities.
By doing so, California can ensure that all cancer patients receive respectful, supportive care—whether they are newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with advanced illness, recovering, or at the end of life.