Cancer health disparities are an enormous public health challenge in the United States. ` Racial and ethnic minority populations are among the U.S. population groups that have long experienced cancer health disparities. ` Many of the U.S. population groups that experience cancer health disparities are also experiencing disparities related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. ` There has been progress in reducing cancer incidence and health disparities, as illustrated by the fact that disparities in the overall cancer death rates among racial and ethnic groups are less pronounced now than they have been in the past two decades. ` Striking disparities in exposure to preventable cancer risk factors, rates of cancer screening for early detection, receipt of standard of care cancer treatment, and the burden of adverse effects of cancer and cancer treatment persist for racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations in the United States. ` Researchers have identified many factors that contribute to cancer health disparities and learned that these factors are complex and interrelated. ` Many studies and initiatives are beginning to provide deep insight into the biological and genetic factors that contribute to cancer health disparities. ` Enhancing diversity in the pool of trainees, researchers, and health care workers, and developing science-based public policies that advance cancer prevention and early detection for individuals, families, and communities will allow us to overcome cancer health disparities.