Pfizer and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have teamed up with actor Patrick Dempsey to raise awareness about the challenges people face in accessing healthcare, which leads to differences in cancer outcomes.
In February, ACS and Pfizer announced their project details. Pfizer plans to invest $15 million over three years to connect people with free or low-cost cancer screenings. This effort aims to reduce healthcare access disparities that affect cancer patients’ health outcomes, focusing initially on breast and prostate cancers.
Patrick Dempsey, known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd in “Grey’s Anatomy,” has joined the initiative. His personal experience with his mother’s 17-year battle with ovarian cancer inspired him to create the Dempsey Center, a nonprofit in Maine that offers emotional support and educational resources to cancer patients.
Dempsey emphasizes the importance of timely care and support during a cancer journey but highlights that many people, especially in areas with limited healthcare resources, lack access to essential cancer information and screenings. He supports Pfizer and ACS by speaking with cancer-affected individuals from rural areas in a video series called “Front Porch Conversations.” The series aims to remove barriers and connect people with resources available through organizations like ACS.