This special issue aims to address the health disparities which exist across the cancer care continuum resulting in differences in cancer incidences, morbidity and mortality based on race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, geographical location, age and sexual orientation.

The four articles all arise from the Cancer Research Training Opportunities for Outstanding Leaders (ReTOOL) Programme, which creates opportunities and promotes careers for underrepresented minority students from diverse disciplines.  Topics covered include the barriers causing limited participation of African Americans in clinical trials, how stigma may cause a higher cancer burden in low-and-middle-income countries and the cancer screening needs of Haitian and African American men.