Racial disparities in cancer care, an eyeopener for developing better global cancer management strategies

Abstract

BackgroundIn the last few decades, advancements in cancer research, both in the field of cancer diagnostics as well as treatment of the disease have been extensive and multidimensional. Increased availability of health care resources and growing awareness has resulted in the reduction of consumption of carcinogens such as tobacco; adopting various prophylactic measures; cancer testing on regular basis and improved targeted therapies have greatly reduced cancer mortality among populations, globally. However, this notable reduction in cancer mortality is discriminate and reflective of disparities between various ethnic populations and economic classes. Several factors contribute to this systemic inequity, at the level of diagnosis, cancer prognosis, therapeutics, and even point‐of‐care facilities.Recent FindingsIn this review, we have highlighted cancer health disparities among different populations around the globe. It encompasses social determinants such as status in society, poverty, education, diagnostic approaches including biomarkers and molecular testing, treatment as well as palliative care. Cancer treatment is an active area of constant progress and newer targeted treatments like immunotherapy, personalized treatment, and combinatorial therapies are emerging but these also show biases in their implementation in various sections of society. The involvement of populations in clinical trials and trial management is also a hotbed for racial discrimination. The immense progress in cancer management and its worldwide application needs a careful evaluation by identifying the biases in racial discrimination in healthcare facilities.ConclusionOur review gives a comprehensive evaluation of this global racial discrimination in cancer care and would be helpful in designing better strategies for cancer management and decreasing mortality.

Bridging racial and ethnic disparities in cancer research

“…There is still an unequal distribution of medical facilities and trained staff, inequalities in screening, and prohibitive treatment costs. 8 Diverse population groups/races/ethnicities need to be represented in clinical trials. In another report, Aslam et al determined the trends in race and sex reporting in lung cancer phase III clinical trials published over the last 35 years.…”

“… 9 In addition, to enhance cancer treatment outcomes, Pathak and colleagues and Bharmjeet and Das emphasize the importance of collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers. 7 , 8 …”