WHEREAS, Remarkable advances in cancer science are creating more effective treatments and cures for patients affected by cancer; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, many cancer patients do not benefit from these treatment advances, and some die needlessly as a result; and

WHEREAS, The disconnect between advances in access to good-quality health care and the continuing gaps in the quality of cancer care is reflective of an important truth: cancer care is different; and

WHEREAS, Cancer care is increasingly reliant on genetic and genomic testing to direct care for each individual patient; and

WHEREAS, There is a growing understanding that there are hundreds of different cancer types that each may require different types of therapy. The complexities of cancer care include relying on the accuracy of initial diagnosis, choice of therapy, and access to appropriate clinical trials; and

WHEREAS, There is significant variability in the ability of the community of medical oncologists to keep current with the most recent evidence due to complexities of cancer care in the precision medicine era; and

WHEREAS, For many cancer patients, the best chance of a cure is the first chance of a cure, highlighting the need for access to appropriate expertise early in the cancer journey; and

WHEREAS, There are disparities in cancer outcomes and access to leading-edge clinical trials based on race and socioeconomic status that are unfavorable to those that are most vulnerable and disadvantaged; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that California policymakers prioritize appropriate and timely access to expert cancer care for individuals; now, therefore, be it