Center To Eliminate Cancer Disparities
About Us
The Center to Eliminate Cancer Disparities was established in
2012 under the direction and leadership of Dr. Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP. The need for research
into cancer, and other healthcare disparities, has become increasingly evident in recent years as
doctors and scientists learn more about how slight variations in genetic makeup can have drastic
effects on the way cancer invades an individual’s body. Knowing that these disparities exist can
improve how screening processes are established and help doctors understand which treatments will
and will not be effective. The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson is committed to reducing cancer
disparities and has created strategic priorities for eliminating such disparities through innovative
research, education and training, advocacy, community outreach, and quality medical care.
"I have dedicated my career to the treatment of cancer patients and have had the opportunity to
experience, as a physician and as a researcher, the significance cancer disparities can have on the
outcome of a patient's treatment. The first step in the elimination of these disparities is to raise
awareness through public and professional education about what resources are available to these groups
in their fight against cancer." - Dr. Edith Mitchell
In addition to serving as the Director of the Center to Eliminate Cancer Disparities at the
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Dr. Mitchell is also a Clinical Professor of Medicine and
Medical Oncology in the Department of Medical Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas
Jefferson University. She holds board certifications in both Internal Medicine and Medical
Oncology and is a Fellow in the American College of Physicians. She has also served as the Program
Leader in gastrointestinal oncology for more than 15 years and has a focused research effort in
aggressive breast cancers.