Despite major breakthroughs in cancer treatment and early detection, stark disparities in outcomes persist—and for many communities, they’re getting worse, not better. Black Americans, for example, continue to experience the highest cancer death rates of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. (American Cancer Society, 2024). Hispanic and Native American populations are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, and low-income individuals are significantly more likely to experience delays in care or receive lower-quality treatment (JAMA Oncology, 2023).
For health plans committed to advancing health equity, these gaps are not just a moral issue—they’re a strategic one. Avoidable disparities drive up long-term costs, fragment population health efforts, and erode trust in the system. But closing these gaps requires more than one-size-fits-all outreach. It requires deep, ongoing relationships—and above all, trust.
At Ardynn, we meet members where they are. Our approach is rooted in culturally responsive, one-on-one advocacy that considers the whole person—not just their diagnosis.
We don’t just ask, “What treatment are you receiving?” We ask,
“Who do you rely on?” “What concerns haven’t you voiced yet?” “What makes you feel seen?”
This is how we build trust that leads to better care. For example:
- When a Spanish-speaking member, was diagnosed with breast cancer, she felt overwhelmed by a treatment plan she didn’t fully understand. Her Ardynn advocate, fluent in her language and aware of her cultural values, helped translate both the medical terminology and the emotional weight of the decisions ahead. Together, they developed questions for her care team and clarified next steps—resulting in timely, goal-aligned care.
- When a man living in a rural community, had been missing appointments because he couldn’t get time off work or reliable transportation. His Ardynn advocate worked with his plan to coordinate a mobile infusion service and arranged caregiver support at home. He didn’t have to choose between his health and his livelihood.
- A caregiver reached out in tears—she had just lost her job while trying to support her mother through late-stage cancer. Ardynn stepped in, not just with emotional support, but by connecting her to financial assistance resources and helping her advocate for her own needs. “You were the first one who asked how I was doing.”
These moments matter. And the data backs it up: research shows that culturally tailored, trust-based navigation and advocacy models can lead to a 25% increase in early-stagediagnoses and improved treatment adherence by up to 30% in underserved populations (Health Affairs, 2022; Journal of Oncology Navigation and Survivorship, 2023).
When members feel understood, they’re more likely to stay engaged, follow through with care, and advocate for themselves. For health plans, that means fewer disparities in outcomes, stronger relationships across communities, and measurable progress toward equity goals.
At Ardynn, we help you turn intention into impact—because every member deserves care that reflects who they are, not just what they’ve been diagnosed with. To learn more about what Ardynn can do for you, reach out to Partner Services at (737) 252-0444 or partnerservcies@ardynn.com.
