Bridging Global Gaps in Cancer Care: Carolyn Taylor's Mission for Equity

Carolyn Taylor is deeply involved in a transformative mission to change global cancer care through her organization, Global Focus on Cancer. After surviving ovarian and endometrial cancers, Carolyn used a surprising win—a British Airways contest offering 10 business class flights anywhere—to launch a profound personal journey. Traveling to 14 countries within a year, she explored and documented the disparate impacts of cancer worldwide, focusing on the stark differences in care and outcomes shaped by geographic and socio-economic factors.

Her findings were eye-opening: in low and middle-income countries, she observed dire shortages in medical staff (such as only four oncologists for a country of 45 million people), limited access to necessary treatments, and crushing financial burdens on families. "I saw very quickly that there is very little equity in cancer care," Taylor recounts. The devastating scenes of overcrowded hospitals with patients even lying in hallways dramatically underscored her message that "where you live, the color of your skin and what God you believe in often do affect the outcome of your diagnosis of cancer."

Moved by these experiences, Carolyn founded Global Focus on Cancer, which aims to reduce the global burden of cancer by focusing on education, awareness, and mental health support rather than medical treatment alone. The organization works to build capacity within countries, emphasizing supportive care and helping to de-stigmatize cancer through community education and peer support.

"Our focus is really on supportive care for patients and their families," Taylor explains. This includes improving health literacy and ensuring that people understand cancer risks and seek help early when symptoms arise. By collaborating with local communities, medical professionals, and international organizations, Global Focus on Cancer hopes to forge a future where cancer care is equitable and effective regardless of geographic and economic barriers.

For more information or to support this cause, visit Global Focus on Cancer's website.

Listen to the Full Interview: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/IOoqXazMUQb