No abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a substantial human, social and economic toll globally, but its impact on Black/African Americans, Latinx, and American Indian/Alaska Native communities in the U.S. is unconscionable. As the U.S. continues to combat the current COVID-19 cycle and prepares for future pandemics, it will be critical to learn from and rectify past and contemporary wrongs. Drawing on experiences in genomic research and intersecting areas in medical ethics, health disparities, and human rights, this article considers three key COVID-19-related issues: research to identify remedies; testing, contact tracing and surveillance; and lingering health needs and disability. It provides a pathway for the future: community engagement to develop culturally-sensitive responses to the myriad genomic/ bioethical dilemmas that arise, and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to transition the country from its contemporary state of segregation in healthcare and health outcomes into an equitable and prosperous society for all.

This Viewpoint discusses barriers to building trust between physicians and patients and offers recommendations to increase that trust, including minimizing emphasis on patient consumerism, promoting authentic partnerships, and accelerating select payment and delivery system reforms.

In this article, we present a brief history of cancer advocacy and discuss the variety of ways advocates have become involved in cancer research and subsequently present principles that establish a framework for successful research advocacy based on a review of many early initiatives coupled with our knowledge as long-time cancer advocates. Challenges to effective advocacy are described, and recommendations for increasing meaningful contributions by research advocates are proposed. The purpose of this article is to discuss the exciting field of research advocacy and to help shape a more productive future for advocates and their scientific collaborators. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4611-5. Ó2013 AACR.