Health Inequities

"Racial and ethnic inequities persist – driven by systemic barriers. The report emphasizes certain disparities that stem from a “higher prevalence of risk factors, medical mistrust, and lack of insurance, which hinders access to high-quality health care.” Even after controlling for stage at diagnosis and socioeconomic status, survival gaps remain – with the “largest contributor” being “less access to high-quality care across the cancer continuum, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment.” As a result, the report notes the following: Black men have prostate cancer death rates 2–4 times higher than other groups. American Indians/Alaska Natives face double the mortality rates for kidney, liver, stomach, and cervical cancers. Black women have uterine death rates twice as high as White women. Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive recommended genetic testing–a gateway to targeted therapies."