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Health Equity
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Patrick Dempsey joins the fight to “Change the Odds” against cancer

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Despite advances in care, the odds of surviving a cancer diagnosis are lower in rural areas of the US compared to urban areas. That’s why Pfizer is collaborating with the American Cancer Society (ACS) on the Change the Odds™ initiative: to help close the gap on cancer disparities by increasing awareness and access to cancer screenings and support.
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Hear from people in rural areas affected by cancer in our new video series “Front Porch Conversations.” We have partnered with cancer community advocate and actor Patrick Dempsey to help shine a spotlight on the impact of cancer in these communities and the barriers they face in getting screened and navigating care, in support of Change the Odds.
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Watch Patrick Dempsey meet with real people in rural communities whose lives have been affected by cancer.

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Nikki & Vic

Nikki and her dad, Vic, knew discussing risk factors and regular cancer screenings was key given their family health history. Watch them share how self-advocacy and speaking out can help break down cancer-care barriers for rural Americans.

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Paul

Raised in a small town, Paul used to be private about his health. But after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, he began conversations with others about the importance of getting screened regularly. Now, Paul speaks openly about the importance of prioritizing your health and volunteers with the ACS.

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Amanda

Unaware of her family history of breast cancer, Amanda was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at a young age. Learn from Amanda and her aunts about how healthcare concerns aren’t openly discussed in their culture—and why they need to be.

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Keeshia

Currently living with metastatic breast cancer, Keeshia sheds light on how community and peer-to-peer support are crucial elements in a cancer journey.

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Angela

Angela shares how, at a young age, she proactively sought breast cancer screening after finding a lump and talks about the importance of a support system while navigating a cancer journey.

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I’ve seen the positive impact that timely care and support can have on someone’s cancer journey. But the fact is, too many people are getting left behind—especially those living in areas where healthcare resources are limited. They’re struggling just to get information about cancer and to get screened.”
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Patrick Dempsey
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Actor & cancer community advocate
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How we aim to “Change the Odds” for those facing disparities

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This series is part of a larger initiative from ACS sponsored by Pfizer called Change the Odds: Uniting to Improve Cancer Outcomes™.

This initiative aims to address cancer care disparities and improve health outcomes in underserved communities, including in rural areas, where people are more likely to receive a later-stage diagnosis and less likely to receive guideline-recommended care. Pfizer has committed $15 million to help “Change the Odds.”

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Dempsey’s personal mission to help people with cancer

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Dempsey is invested in helping families affected by cancer because he himself was a caregiver. He saw up close how hard a cancer diagnosis can be for people and their families while supporting his mother Amanda through her 17-year fight with ovarian cancer.

This experience moved him to start the Dempsey Center, a non-profit that provides emotional and psychological support and a sense of community for people impacted by cancer in his home state of Maine.

Learn more about Change the Odds and our work with the American Cancer Society here:

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