Tackling Cancer Disparities: Understanding the Obstacles at Hand
At the heart of healthcare is an underlying desire to improve our lives. Every day, doctors and nurses strive to give us a better tomorrow – often working with limited resources such as time and technology. Despite their efforts, however, not every person has access to life-saving treatments equally or without bias. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination offers us all a chance to reflect on how structural inequalities manifest themselves in the form of health disparities when it comes to treating cancer patients regardless of background. In this blog post, we'll look at some of these obstacles that lead to cancer disparities so that we can work together towards real solutions.
What are Cancer Disparities?
Cancer disparities refer to the differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of cancer among different populations. Cancer disparities can be due to differential access to quality diagnosis and health care services resulting from low incomes, low health literacy, long travel distances to screening sites, or lack of health insurance. Disadvantaged groups often have no access to paid medical leave, lack transportation to a medical facility, and lack access to affordable health care. In the United States, some racial and ethnic groups are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a later stage which leads to poorer prognosis, and lower survival rates.
What are the Causes of Cancer Disparities?
The underlying causes of cancer disparities are vast and complex, but they can be divided into two broader categories: biological factors and social determinants of health. Biological factors can include genetic predisposition, lifestyle and diet, environmental exposures, and age. Social determinants of health refer to a population's social and economic conditions that can impact health, such as income, education level, language barriers, and access to transportation or healthcare.
How Can We Combat Cancer Disparities?
To truly address cancer disparities, a comprehensive approach is needed combining individual- and community-level interventions. On an individual level, health education initiatives are needed to increase awareness of the risk factors associated with cancer and how to get screened for early detection. On a community level, access to healthcare needs to be improved; this can include increasing access to preventative services and screenings, improving insurance coverage, and promoting economic stability through job training programs or increasing the minimum wage. Additionally, public policies that promote health equity and support vulnerable populations must be supported.
Cancer disparities can only be eliminated when everyone can access the same life-saving treatments regardless of income or background. We all have a role in this effort – it's up to us to work together towards solutions that promote health equity for all.
Low Income and Inadequate Health Insurance Coverage
Low-income families and individuals often experience the detriments of inadequate health insurance coverage due to the costs of obtaining coverage; this can have significant economic and medical implications, such as a lack of access to quality care, an inability to pay medical debts, or being faced with astronomical costs for routine healthcare. Low-income households also more frequently struggle in terms of preventative health due to a lack of resources and financial security; many times, family histories are not considered in the medical record, which can be dangerous if underlying health concerns are missed. While some programs like Medicaid may reach people in low-income brackets, they do not provide continuous insurance coverage or adequate appointments.
Unfortunately, inadequate health insurance coverage among low-income households is a growing problem in America. Many of these individuals are working full-time jobs yet still cannot afford to purchase adequate insurance for themselves or their families. These households are then forced to pay high out-of-pocket medical expenses, which puts extreme financial hardship on them and can exacerbate existing economic struggles. In our society, appropriate health insurance should be made more accessible and affordable to those who need it the most to ensure everyone can receive quality health care when needed.
Long Travel Distances to Cancer Screening Sites and Limited Access to Transportation for Medical Care
Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult, especially for those who do not have access to adequate transportation resources. This fact is made more challenging because many states have cancer screening sites far from where the most vulnerable population resides. This may cause individuals to miss vital medical appointments, including screenings for cancer and an earlier diagnosis. There is a strong need for better access to medical care for everyone, especially those with limited transportation options so that they can receive the care and attention they deserve to build a healthier future.
To ensure that everyone has access to quality medical care, public transportation must be made more accessible and affordable. It is also essential for healthcare providers to seek out alternate options, such as providing ridesharing services or partnering with local organizations to offer van services so those who cannot easily access screening locations can receive the medical attention they need.
Food deserts and no safe places to exercise
Food deserts and a lack of safe places to exercise can create dangerous loops of poverty that are difficult to break out of. Food deserts are typically located in neighborhoods without access to fresh and healthy foods, grocery stores, or restaurants, which can lead to poor dietary choices and health complications. In many communities, finding a safe outdoor space can be nearly impossible. With limited or no access to parks, gyms, or other leisure areas, healthy physical activity is even more difficult. This reality is especially detrimental for children who are unable to receive regular physical activity and don't have the ability to make healthier food choices in their daily lives. There is an urgent need for more educational programs on nutrition and accessible physical activities for those living in these areas to help them become stronger communities over time.
Public and private entities must work together to make healthy food choices more accessible and affordable. Grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other food sources should be built in low-income communities and recreational spaces with safe exercise equipment and activities for all ages. Creating healthier environments within these neighborhoods can help reduce poverty levels over time due to improved physical health and access to better food choices. Ultimately, creating a healthier future for those in need starts with recognizing the disparities within our society and taking the necessary steps to bridge the gap. With dedication and commitment, everyone can have access to quality medical care and adequate nutrition so they can reach their full potential.
Lack of Paid Medical Leave
It's no secret that the cost of quality medical care has become increasingly expensive, often placing a serious financial burden on those with limited resources. Even more concerning is that many people lack access to paid medical leave, making it hard for them to adequately recover from their illnesses or injuries due to work demands. This makes it incredibly difficult for those in less privileged positions to get the care and attention they need to feel themselves again. We need better regulations that enable people to access vital health services without fear of losing their job or going into debt.
In addition, employers need to offer paid medical leave as a benefit. This would allow employees to take the time off they need for necessary medical appointments without risking their job security. Moreover, governments should provide programs that support those with limited resources in accessing quality health care and provide financial assistance for treatments or therapies if needed. With these changes, everyone can access quality medical care, regardless of socioeconomic status. With support from all levels of government and private entities, we can work together to create a healthier future for all.
Low health literacy
Low health literacy can have severe consequences, especially when it comes to making decisions regarding one's own health. People with low health literacy may struggle to understand instructions, find it difficult to compare their options and make informed decisions or feel uncomfortable expressing themselves in a doctor's office. This could lead to poor self-care habits, missed tests or treatments, incorrect diagnosis of illnesses, or improper management of chronic conditions. It is essential for anyone struggling with low health literacy to seek out support such as patient education materials and advocacy services so that they can ensure their health needs are met.
Public health and medical professionals should also strive to use language adapted to the patient's education level, provide access to resources outside of healthcare settings, and encourage patients to take an active role in their own healthcare. By creating more accessible and understandable healthcare materials, we can help bridge the gap between health professionals and patients and ensure everyone gets quality care regardless of education level.
Lack of diversity in clinical research
Clinical research is an essential part of medical development, yet rarely do these studies represent the diversity of people worldwide. Clinical trials are often populated disproportionately with white and male participants. This lack of true diversity in clinical research gives false and incomplete results that can't be extrapolated to all populations. While this may provide an incomplete understanding, it also presents a serious health risk to those groups not represented in these studies. People of color and women tend to face more severe treatments for illnesses due to incorrect medication dosages or lack of knowledge about their specific conditions. Every person deserves equal access to quality healthcare— we must address this lack of diversity in clinical research to ensure equity for all patients seeking treatment.
The Chike Springer Foundation is dedicated to funding lymphoma research that focuses on underserved populations and addresses health equity issues; click here to learn more about our research.
Conclusion
The reality is that individuals living in underserved communities face more significant challenges when fighting cancer, as highlighted in this post. The lack of access to quality healthcare, transportation for medical care, paid medical leave, health literacy, and representation in clinical research significantly contribute to reduced chances of successfully combating this dreaded disease. Diversity in clinical research plays a crucial part in informing treatment decisions, and all of these shortcomings remain a barrier to advancing the fight against cancer. As individuals and as a society, we must recognize and address these disparities by enacting change via policy and providing financial support for access to adequate resources and care. We can all play an important role in reversing the inequalities that exist in our communities through education and awareness initiatives — but also by doing our part; even small donations can make a difference when it comes to increasing diversity in cancer research.