Ms. Virginia Aims to Transform Cancer Care for Black Women
In 2014, at just 25 years old, Marquita Taylor faced a daunting health crisis with a diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer—a rarity for someone of her age. Defying the low survival odds, Taylor emerged victorious and chose to dedicate her life to a cause underscored by her own experience: addressing cancer disparities among Black women. Today, as the associate director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Virginia’s Cancer Center, Taylor’s efforts reflect a profound local impact and community interest in health equity.
A Survivor’s Mission: Bridging Gaps in Health Care
With a master’s degree in public health from the Morehouse School of Medicine, Taylor’s commitment to the cause is deeply personal. Her research points to environmental factors, such as food intake and limited access to fresh produce, as significant contributors to her illness. “The fact that I’m still here is really remarkable and something that science has been unable to explain,” Taylor shared, underscoring the urgency to explore and address these health disparities.
Taylor’s role at UVA involves teaching health equity, researching cancer experiences among Black women, and developing inclusive recruitment strategies. Her mission is clear: to foster an environment where patient care respects diversity and addresses systemic biases.
Community Impact: A Call for Inclusive Healthcare
Black women in America face pronounced health disparities, a reality Taylor is determined to change. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later stages compared to women of other ethnic backgrounds, often due to unequal access to healthcare. Taylor’s work at UVA, combined with her visibility as the reigning Ms. Virginia, aims to shift this narrative.
Her platform extends beyond academics into public life, as she prepares to compete in the Ms. Black United States pageant in 2025. Using pageantry as a platform, Taylor advocates for cancer education, early screening, and healthy living—messages crucial to her community.
Josefina Ramirez, a local health advocate, applauds Taylor’s efforts. “Her story is the push many Black women in our community need. She’s bridging gaps in healthcare that should have been addressed decades ago,” Ramirez said.
Challenges and Progress
Taylor’s journey also highlights a critical shortage in the medical workforce. Black doctors constitute just 5.7% of U.S. doctors, despite Black people accounting for 14.2% of the population. Taylor’s experience reinforces the importance of diversity in healthcare, as she recalls the understanding and personalized care provided by her oncologist, a man of color.
“Increasing diversity in healthcare professionals is not just about equity, it’s about ensuring every patient feels seen and heard,” said Dr. Henry LaFleur, a colleague at UVA. The department’s focus on diversity and inclusion is crucial for developing culturally competent care systems that can cater to the specific needs of all patients.
Local Resources and Involvement
Taylor is also an ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s VOICES of Black Women study, aiming to enroll at least 100,000 Black women across the nation to enhance healthcare outcomes. This initiative represents a critical step toward rectifying underrepresentation in medical research—an issue that has marginalized minorities for generations.
For local residents interested in participating or learning more, Taylor will host community workshops and Q&A sessions at the UVA Cancer Center. Information on these sessions and study participation is accessible via the UVA Health System’s contact point, Eric Swensen, at ews3j@virginia.edu.
Implications for the Future
The ongoing dialogue surrounding health equity, amplified by Taylor’s advocacy, promises to invigorate systemic change not only in Virginia but potentially nationwide. By aligning her experiences with actionable strategies, Taylor lends her narrative to a larger movement that seeks justice in healthcare.
While challenges remain, the enthusiasm surrounding these developments is palpable. The proposed tax code change represents hope for homebuyers across Cameron County, fostering collaboration and planning. Likewise, Taylor’s initiatives highlight integrated approaches to community health, proving that progress is achievable when personal stories fuel academic and systemic endeavors.
In aligning her diverse roles, Taylor embodies the fight for equity, emphasizing that community commitment extends beyond individual triumphs, striving to make healthcare accessible and just for all, transcending boundaries of race and privilege.
