Biden's Cancer Moonshot: Delaware's Patient Navigators Bridge Gap in Underserved Communities
The Biden administration's Cancer Moonshot initiative has set an ambitious goal: cut cancer deaths in half in 25 years. In Delaware, patient navigators like Margarette Osias are crucial to this mission, particularly in reaching underserved communities. Osias, a Haitian Creole speaker, helps patients like Michelaine Estimable, a 62-year-old Haitian native, overcome barriers to cancer screening and treatment.
Osias, working for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, ensures patients like Estimable get screened. She schedules appointments, sends reminders, arranges rides, assists with insurance, and translates during medical visits. Her bilingual skills bridge the gap in Sussex County's significant Haitian population.
Delaware's Screening for Life program covers screenings and treatment for low-income residents. The state's approach to cancer care is unique, offering universal screening and treatment regardless of insurance or immigration status. This has led to a decline in cancer deaths, with Black men's rates falling significantly since 2003-2007. Organizations like Susan G. Komen® support patients, providing free guidance and resources for breast cancer screening and treatment.
Osias' work as a patient navigator is vital in Delaware's fight against cancer. By addressing barriers and engaging communities, she helps reduce cancer deaths and narrow racial disparities. The state's universal screening and treatment policy, along with initiatives like Cancer Moonshot, aim to make significant strides in this battle.
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