Achieving Health Equity in Radiation Oncology–Moving From Awareness to Action

Abstract

Health inequities are differences in health care access and outcomes associated with social, economic, and/or environmental marginalization. Health equity research, or the study of these unjust and avoidable differences, 1 Castillo EG Harris C. Directing research toward health equity: A health equity research impact assessment. J Gen Intern Med. 2021; 36: 2803-2808 Crossref PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar has historically been overlooked in radiation oncology. In recent years, radiation oncology equity research has gained traction as glaring disparities in treatment and outcomes have been published in high impact journals and greater funding has been allocated to study inequities along the cancer care continuum. 2 Jacobsen PB de Moor J Doria-Rose VP et al. The National Cancer Institute's role in advancing health-care delivery research. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2022; 114: 20-24 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar However, rigorous research identifying causes and exploring solutions – rather than repeatedly characterizing the problem – is still lacking in radiation oncology. In the accompanying article, 3 Kronfli D Savla B Lievers A Baker K et al. Identifying Psychosocial needs of patients with cancer undergoing curative radiation therapy in an inner-city academic center to address racial disparities. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2022; 114: 185-194 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar present a prospective, cross-sectional study identifying disparate and unmet psychosocial needs among Black patients with cancer in an urban American city. The study delivers both drivers and actionable recommendations to improve cancer care for Black patients undergoing radiation therapy. Identifying Psychosocial Needs of Patients With Cancer Undergoing Curative Radiation Therapy in an Inner-City Academic Center to Address Racial DisparitiesInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, PhysicsVol. 114Issue 2PreviewThere are little data quantifying the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer undergoing definitive radiation therapy. These needs significantly affect patients’ access to care and treatment outcomes. Thus, our study aimed to characterize the socioeconomic needs of patients with cancer treated at an academic institution in urban and suburban radiation clinics. Full-Text PDF