ASCO released a landmark strategic plan to guide future efforts for increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the oncology workforce. The ultimate goal is to develop a workforce that provides high-quality cancer care to racial and ethnic populations who experience persistent disparities in access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment—and poorer health outcomes.

• In 2016, approximately 12,100 physicians delivered hematology and medical oncology to patients with cancer across the United States.
• The median age of oncologists engaged in patient care is 51, and those aged 64 years and older (18.4%) outnumber the 13.3% of oncologists younger than 40 years.
• In addition, nearly one-third (32%) of oncologists are women, according to ASCO’s 2017 State of Cancer Care in America report.
• It is estimated that by 2030, the cancer incidence in the United States will increase by 45%. The largest increase of cancer diagnoses is projected to be among the older adult and minority populations.

Source: ASCO: Facts & Figures: Diversity in Oncology. Visit https://www.asco.org/practice-guidelines/cancer-care-initiatives/diversity-oncology-initiative/facts-figures-diversity.