Equity, Racism, Cultural Competence, and Cultural Humility in Oncology Social Work Practice

Abstract

Abstract Despite significant advancements in research and treatment, cancer continues to be a challenging public health crisis in the United States. Reducing and eliminating health disparities requires on-going efforts and long-term commitment to addressing imbalanced social systems that perpetuate inequities in access to health care. To improve health care access and the quality of care provided to groups that are historically marginalized, it is important to understand how racism within the health care system continues to shape the experiences of populations disproportionately impacted by cancer. Cultural humility incorporates three dimensions: lifelong learning and a commitment to self-reflection and self-evaluation; redressing power imbalances; and institutional accountability. Achieving health equity through implementing cultural humility means building a culture that centers equity. Oncology social workers have an ethical obligation to challenge social injustice; thus, incorporating dimensions of cultural humility into social work practice enriches provider-patient interactions.