Beyond Barriers: Achieving True Equity in Cancer Care
Healthcare disparities in cancer care remain pervasive, driven by intersecting socioeconomic, racial, and insurance-related inequities. These disparities manifest in various forms such as limited access to medical resources, underrepresentation in clinical trials, and worse cancer outcomes for margi...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Current Oncology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/32/6/349 |
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| author | Zaphrirah S. Chin Arshia Ghodrati Milind Foulger Lusine Demirkhanyan Christopher S. Gondi |
| author_facet | Zaphrirah S. Chin Arshia Ghodrati Milind Foulger Lusine Demirkhanyan Christopher S. Gondi |
| author_sort | Zaphrirah S. Chin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Healthcare disparities in cancer care remain pervasive, driven by intersecting socioeconomic, racial, and insurance-related inequities. These disparities manifest in various forms such as limited access to medical resources, underrepresentation in clinical trials, and worse cancer outcomes for marginalized groups, including low-income individuals, racial minorities, and those with inadequate insurance coverage, who face significant barriers in accessing comprehensive cancer care. This manuscript explores the multifaceted nature of these disparities, examining the roles of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and insurance status in influencing cancer care access and outcomes. Historical and contemporary data highlight that minority racial status correlates with reduced clinical trial participation and increased cancer-related mortality. Barriers such as insurance coverage, health literacy, and language further hinder access to cancer treatments. Addressing these disparities requires a systemic approach that includes regulatory reforms, policy changes, educational initiatives, and innovative trial and treatment designs. This manuscript emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions targeting biomedicine, socio-demographics, and social characteristics to mitigate these inequities. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing targeted strategies, we can work towards a more equitable healthcare system. This involves improving access to high-quality care, increasing participation in research, and addressing social determinants of health. This manuscript concludes with policy recommendations and future directions to achieve health equity in cancer care, ensuring optimal outcomes for all patients. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c119b5e26a804045bfca58fadd329bde |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1198-0052 1718-7729 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Current Oncology |
| spelling | doaj-art-c119b5e26a804045bfca58fadd329bde2025-08-20T02:24:25ZengMDPI AGCurrent Oncology1198-00521718-77292025-06-0132634910.3390/curroncol32060349Beyond Barriers: Achieving True Equity in Cancer CareZaphrirah S. Chin0Arshia Ghodrati1Milind Foulger2Lusine Demirkhanyan3Christopher S. Gondi4Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL 61605, USADepartment of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL 61605, USAOSF Saint Francis Medical Center, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637, USADepartment of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL 61605, USADepartment of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL 61605, USAHealthcare disparities in cancer care remain pervasive, driven by intersecting socioeconomic, racial, and insurance-related inequities. These disparities manifest in various forms such as limited access to medical resources, underrepresentation in clinical trials, and worse cancer outcomes for marginalized groups, including low-income individuals, racial minorities, and those with inadequate insurance coverage, who face significant barriers in accessing comprehensive cancer care. This manuscript explores the multifaceted nature of these disparities, examining the roles of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and insurance status in influencing cancer care access and outcomes. Historical and contemporary data highlight that minority racial status correlates with reduced clinical trial participation and increased cancer-related mortality. Barriers such as insurance coverage, health literacy, and language further hinder access to cancer treatments. Addressing these disparities requires a systemic approach that includes regulatory reforms, policy changes, educational initiatives, and innovative trial and treatment designs. This manuscript emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions targeting biomedicine, socio-demographics, and social characteristics to mitigate these inequities. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing targeted strategies, we can work towards a more equitable healthcare system. This involves improving access to high-quality care, increasing participation in research, and addressing social determinants of health. This manuscript concludes with policy recommendations and future directions to achieve health equity in cancer care, ensuring optimal outcomes for all patients.https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/32/6/349healthcare disparitiescancer careracial minoritiesclinical trialshealth equity |
| spellingShingle | Zaphrirah S. Chin Arshia Ghodrati Milind Foulger Lusine Demirkhanyan Christopher S. Gondi Beyond Barriers: Achieving True Equity in Cancer Care Current Oncology healthcare disparities cancer care racial minorities clinical trials health equity |
| title | Beyond Barriers: Achieving True Equity in Cancer Care |
| title_full | Beyond Barriers: Achieving True Equity in Cancer Care |
| title_fullStr | Beyond Barriers: Achieving True Equity in Cancer Care |
| title_full_unstemmed | Beyond Barriers: Achieving True Equity in Cancer Care |
| title_short | Beyond Barriers: Achieving True Equity in Cancer Care |
| title_sort | beyond barriers achieving true equity in cancer care |
| topic | healthcare disparities cancer care racial minorities clinical trials health equity |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/32/6/349 |
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