May 13 2025
Written by Marlyn Molero, Vice Chair, NRG Oncology Patient Advocate Committee
Each May, we celebrate National Cancer Research Month, honoring the scientific breakthroughs that bring hope to patients, families, and communities impacted by cancer. But this month is also about something just as powerful: the people behind the research. The patients. The caregivers. The communities. The voices that are too often unheard.
Research isn’t just data. It’s deeply personal.
As a Patient Advocate, I believe cancer research is most powerful when it centers around people — their stories, their needs, and their realities. Research is about hope, access, and equity. And right now, there’s still work to be done.
The truth is, research starts and ends with patients. It begins when someone bravely says "yes" to a clinical trial. It grows stronger when families stand alongside them. And it becomes transformative when advocates ensure that every voice — especially those historically overlooked — is included.
Behind every clinical trial is a mother hoping to see her child graduate, a husband searching for more time, a patient navigating hope in a second language. Working closely with patients, especially within the Latino community, I see firsthand how language, culture, and trust determine whether someone feels safe enough to say “yes” to research that could change their life.
What I’ve Learned as a Patient Advocate
My journey started in the emergency room, advocating for Latino patients who were often left out of critical conversations simply because of language barriers. Later, in oncology research, I saw how complicated consent forms, lack of interpretation, and fear of the unknown kept patients from enrolling in life-saving clinical trials. But I’ve also seen how quickly things change when we meet patients where they are. When education is given in a language they understand. When trust is built through compassion and honesty. When someone says, “You’re not alone — I’m here to walk this path with you.”
That’s why I advocate: to close the gaps, build bridges, and make sure every patient is seen, heard, and supported.
Why Research Matters — and Why Inclusion Is Essential
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. In the U.S. alone, more than 2 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. Research — especially clinical trials — is the reason so many patients today have more options, longer survival, and better quality of life.
But here’s the hard truth: Not every patient is represented equally in research.
Barriers like language, transportation, and health literacy continue to block many patients from enrolling. And when we fail to include diverse communities, we risk developing treatments that don't work for everyone.
This National Cancer Research Month, I invite you to reflect on a simple truth: “If research is meant to save all lives, then all lives must be represented in research.”
This Month, I Challenge You: Speak Up. Whether you're a researcher, a patient, a survivor, or simply someone who cares — your voice matters. Ask about clinical trials. Share your story.
Advocate for your community. Because if we want research that serves everyone, then everyone needs a seat at the table.
What Can You Do?
● If you’re a researcher:
Ask yourself: Who might be missing from my study? How can I reach them?
Make research part of every patient conversation. Break down barriers.
● If you’re a clinician:
Take the time to explain trials — in a patient’s language, in a way they understand.
● If you’re a patient or caregiver:
Don’t hesitate to ask about research options.
You deserve to know.
Your questions — and your voice — matter.
● If you're an advocate like me:
Keep fighting for systems that make research more accessible, diverse, and
patient-centered. Keep pushing. Keep speaking up. We’re not done yet.
Cancer doesn’t discriminate — and neither should research.
This May, let’s do more than raise awareness. Let’s raise standards. Raise representation. Raise our voices. Because cancer research isn't complete until every voice is heard — and your voice could be the one that changes everything.