Social Disparities in Cancer
By Jeannine Walston
“The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including the health system. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels, which are themselves influenced by policy choices. The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities – the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries.”
-World Health Organization
What are social disparities in cancer?
Social disparities in cancer are health inequities. Each person is not on a level playing field. Inequality is often associated with a lack of fairness and injustice. An unequal burden of suffering and death due to cancer continues in the United States and many parts of the world. Improved cancer prevention, treatment, outcomes, and survival are dependent on addressing inequities related to the disease.
What are some areas of social inequality in cancer?
The following areas of social inequality exist alone and in combination involving adverse conditions and discrimination at multiple levels throughout life. These factors influence outcomes when dealing with cancer as a patient or loved one, and supporting cancer risk reduction.
- Socioeconomic position (income, wealth, poverty, and debt)
- Work status and environment
- Insurance status
- Education
- Geographic location such as urban or rural
- Housing status
- Gender
- Age
- Race/ethnicity and racism
- Language
- Literacy
- Immigrant status
- Disability
- Sexuality
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