Exploring the ethical use of race in cancer research.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine if race was used biologically, socially, or both ways in oncology cooperative group trials.

Background

The National Institute of Health defines race as a social construct that groups people based on physical appearance, social factors, and cultural background. While the use of race may no longer be as problematic as it once was, race is still sometimes misused in scientific research. This misuse can contribute to the belief that there is a biological difference between racial groups, warranting unequal and unjust treatment.

Method

We analyzed 32 research articles from 2002 to 2011 and 100 articles from 2016 to 2023 conducted by seven prominent cooperative cancer groups-NCORP, NRG, ECOG, Alliance, SWOG, COG, and ACRIN-to describe how race is used

SUBMITTER: Pierre KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12613247 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature