Cancers, Vol. 17, Pages 1067: From Diagnosis to Survivorship: The Role of Social Determinants in Cancer Care

Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers17071067

Authors:
Abiha Abdullah
Zeyu Liu
Michele Molinari

Social determinants of health (SDOH) profoundly influence cancer outcomes. Disparities in these areas contribute to delayed diagnoses, limited access to advanced treatments, and poorer survival rates, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. While advancements in cancer care have improved survival, these benefits remain unevenly distributed. This review examines the impact of SDOH on cancer care across multiple domains. It highlights the ways in which structural barriers exacerbate disparities in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Evidence-based interventions, including Medicaid expansion, culturally tailored patient navigation programs, increased diversity in clinical trials, telemedicine expansion, and the integration of SDOH screening into oncology workflows—offer promising strategies for addressing these inequities. By integrating these strategies into clinical practice and health policy, the healthcare system can foster a more just and inclusive future for cancer treatment and survivorship.

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Abiha Abdullah www.mdpi.com