Navigating disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract cancer (BTC) is essential for improving patient outcomes, ensuring equitable care, and optimizing the patient experience. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) remains committed to increasing awareness and disseminating the latest strategies for BTC management. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ explores these issues with Paige Griffith, CRNP, lead oncology nurse practitioner at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, who highlights the vital role of multidisciplinary teams in reducing care fragmentation and streamlining care delivery. CANCER BUZZ also speaks with Chaundra Bishop, a patient with biliary tract cancer, who shares her personal experience confronting systemic barriers—particularly delays and obstacles during the diagnostic process—and offers insights into how addressing such disparities can improve the patient journey for others.

"Everyone plays a role, even from early-stage disease all the way to advanced disease, and having someone help navigate patients through that very complex system is important." – Paige Griffith, CRNP

"From the patient perspective, I think it's always important to ask for what you need, or ask questions if you don't understand something. Don't, as they say, suffer in silence." – Chaundra Bishop

Paige Griffith, CRNP

Lead Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Baltimore, MD

Chaundra Bishop

Patient With Biliary Tract Cancer

Resources:

Bile Duct Cancer - MD Anderson Cancer Center - https://bit.ly/42YPRdT

Cholangiocarcinoma - NCI - https://bit.ly/44oV4N2