Abstract 1314: SCHEQ Foundation (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity): Increasing STEMM diversity and outcomes for patients navigating cancer

Abstract

Abstract Health inequities are estimated to cost $320B annually, while racial and ethnic disparities are estimated to cost $42B in productivity. There are systemic issues at play that contribute to these disparities. These include lack of diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields; bias in healthcare delivery and access; underinsurance in patients from low-income backgrounds; and lack of training that advances those from historically underrepresented groups. The SCHEQ Foundation (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity) is a black-founded nonprofit organization that seeks to increase STEMM workforce diversity and improve outcomes for underrepresented, underserved, marginalized, and invisible populations across the cancer care continuum. Herein we describe the formation of SCHEQ Foundation and our core domains that we seek to make change. We seek to increase STEMM access and exposure, increase STEMM workforce diversity, and improve outcomes for underserved populations navigating the cancer care continuum. This will be accomplished in part by 1) engaging professional in STEMM from their lived background and experiences, 2) developing training, mentoring, and professional developing programs across the academic continuum to increase success of minoritized scholars; and 3) providing information and resources in culturally responsive manners to help underserved patient navigate cancer and advocate for the standard of care they deserve. We will change how we convey content, information, and resources to underserved populations by utilizing a combination of multimedia, infographics, webinars, info sheets, and community engagement. The goal is to increase survival for groups that historically have the greatest cancer disparities. Citation Format: Eugene Manley. SCHEQ Foundation (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity): Increasing STEMM diversity and outcomes for patients navigating cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1314.