COLORADO – April 2025 –  April is National Minority Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on the disproportionate impact of cancer on racial and ethnic minority communities. Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), Colorado's largest multidisciplinary oncology practice, is dedicated to bridging these gaps and ensuring access to care for all patients, particularly in the realm of rare cancers. 

National Minority Cancer Awareness Month is observed to highlight disparities and raise awareness of the specific cancer burdens faced by minority populations. At RMCC, we know that early detection and emphasizing the importance of regular screenings as preventive care are critical to survival. Advocating for clinical research trials and encouraging greater participation of minority groups in clinical trials and research initiatives is fundamental to RMCC’s mission.

"Achieving health equity in cancer care requires a targeted approach," said Dr. Manojkumar Bupathi, medical oncologist and RMCC practice president. "We are committed to increasing minority participation in rare cancer research to ensure that all patients benefit from the latest advancements."

A significant challenge lies in rare cancer research, where minority patients often encounter barriers to accessing specialized care and clinical trials, resulting in delayed diagnoses and suboptimal treatment outcomes. For example, studies have shown that African American men have a prostate cancer incidence rate that is approximately 60 percent higher than white men. Additionally, Hispanic women have higher rates of cervical cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women, and Native American populations have higher rates of liver and kidney cancers than other groups.

“We see firsthand the impact of disparities on our patients. Factors like limited access to screening, socioeconomic barriers, and cultural differences can lead to later-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes,” said Dr. Mabel Mardones, medical oncologist. “For example, we know that within Colorado, Hispanic women often present with more advanced cervical cancer, and Native American populations experience higher rates of certain gastrointestinal cancers. At RMCC, we're actively working to dismantle these obstacles by providing community-based education, increasing access to clinical trials, and ensuring that our care is both culturally sensitive and patient-centered."

RMCC is committed to addressing these disparities by expanding community outreach and education programs tailored to diverse populations. Actively recruiting minority patients for clinical trials, particularly for rare cancers. Providing culturally sensitive care that acknowledges and respects the unique needs of each patient.

“The reality is that minority patients are often underrepresented in clinical research, which means they may miss out on potentially life-saving treatments. This is a critical issue we're addressing at RMCC. We're committed to building trust within minority communities and actively recruiting patients for trials,” said Dr Alonso Pacheco, medical oncologist and medical director for RMCC. “For instance, we've collaborated with community leaders and minority organizations to ensure that information about clinical trials is accessible and understandable. By increasing minority participation, we can ensure that future cancer treatments benefit everyone, regardless of their background.”

The unstoppable power of combining the fight and determination of patients, with the compassion and excellence of physicians and the care team, drives everything our physicians and care teams do every day, with every patient. We are dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans that honor each patient’s unique circumstances and wishes. Listening to and learning from each other and our patients allows us to provide care with the utmost sensitivity and kindness.

We believe that together, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing cancer in Colorado. Learn more about our commitment to accessible, comprehensive care right here at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers.

RMCC is part of The U.S. Oncology Network, a highly respected national organization collaborating to advance innovative care and deliver optimal outcomes. As Colorado’s leader in cancer treatment, we’ve been delivering world-class cancer care with compassion and expertise for more than 30 years, and we make our patients’ lives easier by offering coordinated care access in 19 locations throughout Colorado. So, if you find yourself facing new challenges in your health journey, we’ll be on your side, empowering Your Courage with Our Proven Experience.

# # #

Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) is an independent, physician-led practice that delivers leading-edge technology and treatment options and conducts innovative research. For more than 30 years, RMCC has pioneered community-based care to enable more cancer patients to receive high-quality treatment while staying close to the support of family and friends.

Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers treats more adult cancer than any other healthcare organization in Colorado, providing 19 locations and a network of 54 physicians specializing in cancer care throughout the state. RMCC is collectively focused on treating cancer and blood disorders with advanced technology and innovative research no matter where you live, while taking a community-based approach of integrated subspecialty oncology care. This enables patients to access leading-edge treatment while living at home and receiving the critical support of family and friends.

Patients who are treated at RMCC can participate in some of the most promising national clinical trials for a broad range of cancers. RMCC has played a role in the development of more than 100 FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs – about one-third of cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. At any given time, more than 150 national clinical trials are open throughout The Network.

Media Contacts
RMCC Media
RMCCmedia@usoncology.com