Disease's Toll Worse for Minorities, Medically Underserved Cancer disparity is a real issue that's full of stark truths. For instance, data show that racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved groups are more likely to develop cancer, and die from it, than the general US population.Research also shows that uninsured patients are more likely to be treated for cancer at late stages of disease, and they're more likely to receive substandard care."It's really a major concern," says Ronit Elk, PhD, the American Cancer Society's director of research targeted at the poor and underserved. "Everyone needs to have access -- equal access -- to optimal care."