--- title: "Cancer Screening Gaps Persist in Communities of Color | Sutter Health" description: "Communities of color face higher rates of late-stage cancer diagnoses; Sutter Health's data shows targeted outreach can close persistent screening gaps." url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/communities-of-color-remain-vulnerable-for-late-stage-cancer-diagnoses" --- 1. [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Research & innovation](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation) / 3. Communities Of Color Remain Vulnerable For Late Stage Cancer Diagnoses # Communities of Color Remain Vulnerable for Cancer Diagnoses Communities of color face higher rates of late-stage cancer diagnoses; Sutter Health's data shows targeted outreach can close persistent screening gaps. November 16, 2021 by Sutter Health ![Communities of Color Remain Vulnerable for Cancer Diagnoses](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/Driving-Oncology-Care-Forward-e1637101723271-6883574a.jpg?h=644&iar=0&w=1102 "Communities of Color Remain Vulnerable for Cancer Diagnoses") The COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to delay medical appointments, including time-sensitive health screenings like [mammograms, colonoscopies and skin exams](https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-during-covid-19-pandemic.html). A lag still exists today even as health systems and clinics have taken careful steps to help stop the virus’ spread. Certain groups also remain especially vulnerable for late-stage cancer diagnoses due to delayed screenings: communities of color. Health equity efforts—which have been supercharged since the onset of COVID-19—can help inform approaches that can make a difference for these communities. Sutter Health, a not-for-profit healthcare network in Northern California, recently revealed in [Oncology Issues](https://www.accc-cancer.org/docs/documents/oncology-issues/articles/v36-n6/v36n6-complete.pdf?sfvrsn=4d1bcca7_2/) how its own targeted efforts helped identify and close gaps in screening for racial/ethnic patient subgroups. ## Topics [Cancer](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Cancer%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Cancer Prevention](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Cancer+Prevention%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles) ## Cancer services Getting the right cancer care at the right time shapes your treatment journey. If you're facing a cancer diagnosis, our oncology specialists can provide advanced treatments, personalized plans and support from screening through survivorship. [Learn more about Cancer services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/cancer) ## Related articles ### [Cancer Leaves a Trace: An Investigation into Early Detection](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/cancer-leaves-a-trace-an-investigation-into-early-detection) ### [Personalized vaccine targets melanoma recurrence?](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/personalized-vaccine-targets-melanoma-recurrence) ### [National Cancer Care Recognition, Local Impact](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/our-people/national-cancer-care-recognition-local-impact) ### [Seeking Cancer’s Earliest Signals](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/seeking-cancers-earliest-signals) [See all from Research & innovation](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation) ## Check your Vitals Get the latest in health innovation, community impact and patient care from Sutter Health — delivered straight to your inbox. 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