Building Better Representation in Cancer Research

Why Is Clinical Trial Representation In Cancer Studies So Important?

Cancer clinical trials evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treatments for people living with cancer. These carefully monitored research studies allow us to develop new therapies, test how well therapies work and discover new ways to use existing therapies. But here’s the problem: the people enrolling in clinical trials often don’t reflect the real-world groups most affected by a disease. This means that their experiences and voices aren’t reflected in the treatments being developed or investigated.

Despite ongoing progress, racial and ethnic minorities remain significantly underrepresented in clinical trials. Black people make up about 14% of the US population, yet only represent about 5% to 7% of clinical trial participants.1

Broader clinical trial representation can help researchers better understand how treatments may work across different groups, potentially leading to safer and more effective therapies for all populations. For the people participating, cancer clinical trials may offer access to innovative new treatments, specialized care from a clinical trial team, and the opportunity to advance science, potentially improving cancer care for themselves and others.2 

Learn more about clinical trial representation through resources from the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP):

A Guide on the Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials

Common Myths about Clinical Trials

 

“After my diagnosis, I chose to participate in a clinical trial. My granddaughter was my biggest motivation. We're all in this together, and every person who participates has the opportunity to help advance research for others.” Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Participant, Rhythms of Change event in Chicago.

The need for clinical trial representation is especially urgent in cancer care. For example, lung cancer is the second most common cancer among Black people and the leading cause of cancer death in this community. However, Black patients represent only 3% of lung cancer clinical trial participants.3 

We must work together to drive better clinical trial representation, helping to ensure that participants in clinical trials come from different demographic groups – age, race, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status – and represent the people who may one day need these medicines.

Broader representation in clinical trials is important not just for the future of cancer research, but to help advance more inclusive science and hopefully better outcomes for all.

How Can You Get Involved?

Trusted community voices, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations can play an important role in helping people understand clinical trials and where to find credible information. 

Click on the resources below to learn how you can take action. 

How Does AstraZeneca Support Building Clinical Trial Representation?

At AstraZeneca, we want participants in our clinical trials to represent the people who may one day need our medicines. As a science-led, patient-centered company, we are committed to strengthening community engagement and building trust to improve representation in cancer research, particularly for diseases like lung cancer and breast cancer. 

We believe that listening to, collaborating with, and empowering the community are essential to creating tangible and sustainable progress from the ground up. Broad representation in clinical trials is not just a goal—it’s our responsibility to help ensure medicines are effective and safe for all communities.

We continue to support clinical trial representation through initiatives including Rhythms of Change, a community engagement program focused on building dialogue and trust. Now in its third year, Rhythms of Change has brought together local community leaders, healthcare and advocacy organizations, policymakers and survivors across Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Louisville to foster conversation and connection, advance representation in clinical trials and drive meaningful action in communities most impacted. 

Participants at Rhythms of Change events came together to share perspectives, build trust, and help advance efforts to improve representation in cancer clinical trials.

Where Can I Find Resources About Cancer Clinical Trials?

The resources below can help you learn more about cancer clinical trials, including where to find clinical trials in your area.

Find Clinical Trials

General Cancer Clinical Trial Resources

Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Resources

 Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Resources

Many of the organizations and websites listed above are independently operated and not managed by AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca assumes no responsibility for any information they may provide.

References:

  1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures for African American/Black People 2022-2024. Accessed August 7, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/cancer-facts-and-figures-for-african-americans/2022-2024-cff-aa.pdf
  2. Duenas JAC, Sanchez PN, Bonilla CE. Comparison of clinical outcomes among cancer patients treated in and out of clinical trials. BMC Cancer. 2023;23(1):786. 
  3. Loree JM, Anand S, Dasari A, et al. Disparity of race reporting and representation in clinical trials leading to cancer drug approvals from 2008 to 2018. JAMA Oncol. 2019;5(10):e191870.