Introduction

Non-communicable diseases such as cancer contribute to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Globally, the mortality rates associated with cancer account for many disease-related deaths. Therefore, there is a need for interventions and strategies to address healthcare inequities and ensure equitable access to health for all populations. Currently, several advancements in cancer screening and treatment increase cancer survival rates. However, many cancer patients lack access to treatments due to disparities in healthcare, such as socioeconomic status and race (Chavarri-Guerra et al., 2019). Moreover, cancer treatment is an expensive procedure that incurs extreme financial distress on patients and caregivers, limiting access to health (dos-Santos-Silva et al., 2022). Nevertheless, with the help of patient navigators, cancer patients can access health care options, from preventive measures to treatment options. It is imperative to eradicate health inequities that hinder access to health to reduce cancer mortality rates.

Main Body

Cancer warrants specialized treatment and care to limit the disease’s spread and ensure the patient recovers. Therefore, cancer treatment impacts individuals’ socioeconomic status in several ways (Tabuchi, 2022). More so, cancer treatment advancements are expensive but vital for patient health. Despite universal health care programs that offer equal access to care, there is still unequal economic distribution among patients, which shapes their treatment options and economic impact. For instance, individuals from high-income areas can afford advanced cancer treatments such as targeted therapy and photodynamic therapy. In contrast, low and middle-income individuals lack the opportunities to afford such advanced healthcare.

Cancer patients in low and middle-income societies record increased financial distress and poverty levels. The cancer treatment methods are expensive and leave individuals without money or savings after treatment ends. Thus, there are increased mortality rates in low and middle-income areas because people cannot afford cancer treatment. However, high-income individuals do not feel the financial strain of cancer treatment and can afford various treatment options. For instance, Filipe et al. (2021) note that high socioeconomic status increases breast cancer patients’ chances of breast-conserving therapy, while individuals from low-income states resort to standard surgeries and mastectomies.

In addition, an individual’s socioeconomic status impacts cancer treatment, and cancer treatment affects socioeconomic status. Cancer patients and caregivers use high out-of-pocket funds for medical fees such as surgery and radiotherapy (Alzehr et al., 2022). Cancer treatment strips families of life savings and other funds, leaving them impoverished. Moreover, cancer patients cannot work, which lowers household income and wealth. For example, when one family member- the patient- does not contribute to household income, the money gained from the working family member is used to cater to the family’s needs. The funds may not be enough to cater to family and patient needs leading to debts and subsequent poverty.

Disparities exist in healthcare systems, hindering patients’ access to care. Social, environmental, and economic factors contribute to disparities in care, disadvantaging several individuals (National Cancer Institute, 2022). Disparities in the cancer care system include socioeconomic status, race, rural residence, and resource disparity. Resource disparity is one of the significant barriers to health care in healthcare organizations. Healthcare organizations lack trained and skilled personnel to treat cancer (dos-Santos-Silva et al., 2022). Moreover, due to few trained surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists dealing with cancer, human resource gaps lead to an increased workload, leaving room for errors. Therefore, when few professionals treat cancer, patients cannot receive standard care.

Race and ethnic differences are significant disparities in cancer care and treatment. For instance, African Americans, Asians, and Aboriginal people record higher mortality rates than their white counterparts due to diagnosis and treatment delays. Tong et al. (2022) argue that there are lower cancer screening rates in African American and Asian people, contributing to high death rates. The delayed screening may be due to stigma, racism, and discrimination because of racial differences. Similarly, socioeconomic disparities encompass education, income, and health insurance factors, which impact access to health care. Individuals with low education and low-income areas are at higher risk of cancer death because they lack access to health, health insurance, and knowledge on cancer treatment. On the other hand, high-income persons are awa