Fixing Cancer Care Inequities: Dr. Eugene Manley on Biomarker Gaps, Health Equity & System Change

Health equity is often discussed in theory—but how do we actually make it measurable? In this episode of The Doc Lounge Podcast, host Stacey Doyle sits down with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., biomedical scientist and Founder & CEO of the STEMM & Cancer Health Equity (SCHEQ) Foundation, to explore how healthcare systems can move beyond good intentions and implement real, data-driven change. Drawing from more than two decades of experience across engineering, molecular biology, nonprofit leadership, and cancer advocacy, Dr. Manley shares how his personal experiences navigating healthcare disparities shaped his mission to build systems where patient voices are heard and outcomes are equitable. The conversation dives into critical gaps in cancer care—including disparities in biomarker testing, clinical trial access, screening awareness, and the financial barriers many patients face during treatment. Dr. Manley explains why health equity must start with intentional, measurable interventions and why solving one disparity at a time can lead to meaningful systemic change. They also explore how collaboration between payers, pharma, and health systems can improve cancer outcomes, why cultural competency and patient-centered communication matter, and what healthcare leaders can do today to close the gap. This episode offers practical insights for physicians, healthcare executives, researchers, and policymakers working to build a more equitable healthcare system. Topics covered include: • Making health equity measurable in healthcare systems • The biomarker testing gap in cancer care • Barriers to clinical trial access and screening • Cross-sector collaboration between payers, pharma, and health systems • The patient experience and structural barriers to care • Actionable steps healthcare leaders can take today