Health Disparity | Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS)

DCCPS seeks to eliminate cancer-related disparities by promoting and conducting research that identifies and addresses the mechanisms contributing to disparities across the cancer control continuum and throughout the human lifespan.

Learn more about the background and mission of Health Disparities.

Spotlight

Event Video

White House Cancer Cabinet Community Conversation

Improving cancer outcomes—bringing research to rural communities.

Webinar Series

Context of Poverty Webinar Series

This webinar series delves into the context of poverty, where esteemed researchers will present their work focusing on different aspects of poverty.

Funding Opportunities for Researchers

Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination on Minority Health and Health Disparities

EXPIRATION DATE: January 08, 2026

Measures and Methods to Advance Research on Minority Health and Health Disparities-Related Constructs

EXPIRATION DATE: May 08, 2024

Patient-Clinician Relationship: Improving Health Outcomes in Populations that Experience Health Care Disparities

EXPIRATION DATE: January 08, 2025

About Health Disparities

Health disparities are the adverse effects on groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on numerous characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion. These harmful health differences are often closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. Health equity is the attainment of the highest level of health for everyone.

DCCPS works to eliminate these disparities and achieve health equity for all people.

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FEATURED INITIATIVES

Rural Cancer Control

Rural communities face disadvantages, which contribute to higher incidence and mortality rates for many cancers, and higher average mortality rates for all cancer sites combined.

Geographically Underserved Areas

Communities experiencing high or persistent poverty are at an increased risk of cancer caused by environmental, occupational, and recreational exposures, and lifestyle factors.

Native American Health

Native American populations are disproportionately affected by many cancers, with detection and diagnoses often occurring at later stages.

Poverty

Poverty and accompanying factors such as education, housing, and employment have tremendous effects on the health of communities and their populations.

Featured Media

DCCPS Health Disparities Funding History and Trends

Mixed bar and line graph with number of grants and dollars in millions on left vertical axis, percentage right vertical axis, and year on horizontal axis. Percentage of portfolio, number of grants, and dollars in millions all rise from 2010 to 2012, decrease slightly from 2013 to 2015, and steadily increase from 2016 to 2020.

More Funding Information