By Dr. Yolanda M. VanRiel

Health disparities are a persistent issue for people from marginalized communities, especially when it comes to diseases like cancer. Despite decades of research and calls for change, the gap in health outcomes remains alarmingly wide.

Many patients continue to face barriers to timely diagnosis and equitable access to care, often because implicit biases result in delayed and ineffective communication about treatment options.


Healthcare providers have a responsibility to ensure that every patient, no matter their background, has an equal opportunity to understand their care and make informed decisions.

At North Carolina Central University, where I serve as Chair of the Nursing Department, I’ve focused much of my career on addressing these gaps. My work, grounded in both research and community outreach, emphasizes the importance of empowering patients with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their health.

When patients understand their options and feel heard, they are more likely to participate in their care. Clear communication and genuine support give them the confidence to ask questions, seek second opinions, and make decisions that protect their health.

Patient empowerment as a tool for better health outcomes
The roots of health disparities extend far beyond individual patient choices. They are woven into the fabric of historical and systemic inequities that have long affected marginalized communities. For example, incidents like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study have fostered deep-seated mistrust in medical institutions that still influences how some patients engage with healthcare today.

Patient education and empowerment are key aspects of rebuilding trust and addressing these longstanding disparities. For many, understanding the nuances of their diagnosis and treatment plans is the first step toward advocating for their health. This is particularly critical in cancer care, where early detection and timely access to appropriate treatments can significantly impact survival rates.

In my research on prostate cancer care, I’ve seen how treatment options may be presented differently based on implicit biases. Patients from marginalized communities are more likely to be advised to take a “watchful waiting” approach rather than being informed about all of the various treatments that may be available to them. When that happens, these individuals might not receive the level of care they need in time, leading to worse outcomes. Ensuring every patient is fully informed about their options is essential to help them make better decisions about their care.

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