Inequities in cancer outcomes

In an editorial in the September issue of the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and partner institutions highlight the critical role of socioeconomic factors in explaining cancer outcomes and cancer inequalities within and between countries. The authors argue that current efforts to address socioeconomic inequalities in cancer, including research funding and interventions, are insufficient.

The researchers emphasize the urgent need for policy-makers and leaders to acknowledge socioeconomic factors in cancer as a major global public health concern and advocate for substantial efforts to address these factors. They also outline the actions needed for the preparation of a roadmap to bridge the gap between research and policy-making in this field, under the World Health Organization principle of Health for All.

The authors point to initiatives such as the European Cancer Inequalities Registry as promising efforts to measure and tackle cancer inequalities. They note that improved data collection and policy prioritization are crucial.

Socioeconomic factors in cancer are one of the most impactful determinants of cancer mortality. A recent study across several European countries demonstrated that lower socioeconomic position is associated with a substantial excess risk of cancer death, for almost all cancer types. Cancer inequalities are particularly high in the Baltic countries and in eastern Europe and are increasing among women in many places, including in countries with strong welfare policies.

Youcef Ali M, Nusselder W, Weiderpass E, Corbex M, Bray F, Vaccarella S
Inequities in cancer outcomes
Bull World Health Organ, Published online 1 September 2023;
https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.23.290661