How To Work Closely With Your Care Team During Lung Cancer Treatment

The 2025 STEMM & Cancer Health Equity (SCHEQ) Lung Cancer Interventions Summit held in Chicago gathered health professionals and researchers dedicated to enhancing equitable care and improving outcomes for lung cancer patients. The primary aim was to dismantle existing barriers impeding access to care.Dr. Karriem S. Watson, CEO of UI Health Mile Square Health Center, delivered the keynote speech on October 24. Drawing from his extensive experience in underserved Chicago neighborhoods, he urged a transformation in the healthcare system, asserting that a patient's zip code should not dictate health outcomes.Dr. Watson shared poignant family experiences with cancer that exposed systemic inequities, such as losing his mother due to inadequate access to clinical trials. He emphasized the necessity of personalized care, urging patients to assert themselves in healthcare discussions and consider environmental factors when evaluating risks. His insights encourage individuals to actively engage in their health, thus fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape for all.