Elevating Minoritized Voices: Building Bridges to Equitable Oncology Care With Megan-Claire Chase and Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH

Building Trust: The Foundation of Equitable Care

“Trust is the cornerstone of the patient-doctor relationship, especially for people of color who have historically been marginalized in healthcare,” says Megan-Claire Chase, a nine-year breast cancer survivor and patient advocate. Many patients delay or avoid care due to previous negative experiences, feeling dismissed or judged by providers. Dr. Jasmin Hundal, a hematology/oncology fellow, reflects, “I once cared for a patient who had delayed treatment after feeling like a ‘fly on the wall’ during a previous encounter with a provider. That experience taught me to always listen deeply and check my own biases, even those I may not be aware of.”

Meeting Communities Where They Are

Both speakers agree that bridging the gap requires clinicians to engage directly with communities. “It’s not enough to expect patients to come to us. We must go into their communities, connect with trusted leaders, and show we care,” Ms. Chase emphasizes. Dr. Hundal adds, “Every community has unique reasons for mistrust. During my public health training, I learned that listening to these stories firsthand is essential for understanding and addressing local barriers.”

Representation and Clinical Trials

A critical issue in oncology is the underrepresentation of minoritized groups in clinical trials. “When our symptoms or side effects aren’t believed, it’s often because people like us weren’t included in the research,” Ms. Chase notes. Dr. Hundal agrees, “We need to educate our communities about the importance of clinical trial participation and ensure our research reflects the diversity of our patients. Only then can we truly understand differences in disease biology and treatment response.”

The Power of Language: Minority vs Minoritized

Ms. Chase also challenges the language we use to describe these communities. “I don’t even like saying ‘minority’—I find that problematic. It doesn’t reflect what’s actually going on in these communities. I’d rather say we are ‘minoritized,’ because we don’t call ourselves a minority; we were minoritized. That word better captures the reality that these disparities are the result of systemic actions, not inherent characteristics.”

Communication: More Than Words

Effective communication goes beyond language. “Medical terminology doesn’t always translate, and relying on family members—especially children—to interpret can lead to dangerous misunderstandings,” Ms. Chase points out. Dr. Hundal sees promise in technology: “Artificial intelligence (AI)–powered translation tools and telehealth can help bridge language gaps, but nothing replaces the value of in-person interpreters and culturally competent care.”

At the same time, both speakers are optimistic about AI’s potential to improve care. “AI can handle administrative tasks and note-taking, allowing doctors to focus on patients and be truly present,” Ms. Chase says. Dr. Hundal shares, “We’re piloting AI at the Cleveland Clinic, and early feedback shows it helps clinicians feel more engaged during appointments.”

Institutional Change and Cultural Humility

Addressing disparities requires a top-down approach. “Cultural humility and awareness should be part of every clinician’s training, with real stories from patients to drive the message home,” Dr. Hundal suggests. Megan adds, “There’s a person behind every data point. When clinicians see and hear us, it changes how care is delivered.”

Key Takeaways for Oncology Clinicians

• Trust is essential: Listen deeply, acknowledge patient experiences, and check your own biases.
• Engage communities: Meet patients where they are and partner with local leaders.
• Promote representation: Advocate for diverse clinical trial enrollment and research.
• Communicate effectively: Use culturally competent language and leverage technology, but prioritize human connection.
• Institutional commitment: Support top-down initiatives for cultural humility and patient-centered care.
• Embrace technology: Use AI to reduce administrative burden and enhance patient engagement.

About the Speakers

Megan-Claire Chase is a patient advocate and the Breast Cancer Program Director for SHARE Cancer Support. As a survivor of stage IIA invasive lobular breast cancer, Ms. Chase became involved in patient advocacy work after completing her treatment. She is a prolific writer, blogger, and public speaker, having been featured in the New York Times, in People Magazine, and on PBS’s “Beyond Cancer” episode of “Stories from the Stage.” Her story and work are documented in her blog “Life on the Cancer Train.”

Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH, is a second-year Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Hundal’s main area of interest is the overlap between cardiometabolic health and cancer, particularly for breast cancer patients and survivors. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking.