In an opinion piece published by City Limits, Kathie-Ann Joseph, MD, MPH, a senior breast surgeon at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, points out the shortage of minority representation in cancer clinical trials—and the importance of reversing it.

Dr. Joseph points out how clinical trials are often a “ray of sunshine” for individuals battling cancer, but that certain barriers and mistrust often prevent minorities, particularly African Americans, from participating in them. She points to several ways to clear these hurdles.

“Building bridges within communities through programs at NYU Langone Health, such as the Beatrice W. Welters Breast Health Outreach and Navigation Program, brings access right into the communities where minorities live and work,” she says. “Community leaders can also provide advice on how to best reach certain minority groups.”

Read more from City Limits.