Cancer is a worldwide health concern for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. However, it is a well-known fact that there are disparities in cancer incidence and mortality rates between wealthy and poor populations.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has conducted extensive research on this issue in the hope of identifying factors contributing to these disparities and developing appropriate interventions.

The prevalence of cancer in low-income populations

First and foremost, the incidence of cancer in low-income populations is, unfortunately, high and often goes undetected and untreated until it progresses to an advanced stage.

Individuals living in poverty are at higher risk of developing cancer due to various factors, including inadequate nutrition, exposure to environmental toxins, and less access to quality healthcare.

In 2018, the IARC conducted a study that shed light on the association between poverty and cancer.

The research revealed that socioeconomically disadvantaged populations are more likely to be diagnosed with certain types of cancer than those living in more affluent communities. The study showed that people living in low-income areas are more likely to develop cancers of the liver, stomach, cervix, and esophagus.

Contributing Factors to cancer disparities

Environmental toxins

One of the main reasons for the cancer disparities in low-income populations is exposure to environmental toxins. According to the IARC, poverty is associated with exposure to harmful chemicals and toxic substances, including asbestos, lead, and radon.

Many low-income communities are located near industrial areas, landfills, and toxic waste sites where hazardous substances are dumped, which put residents at higher risk of developing cancer.

Low-income individuals are more likely to be exposed to contaminants because they live in poorly maintained and older housing, which may have lead paint or mold that releases toxins into the air they breathe.

Unhealthy Diet

The lack of access to healthy food is an important factor in the cancer disparities between wealthy and poor populations.

People living in areas with lower economic status have limited access to high-quality fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. Such areas are often referred to as “food deserts,” where fast food and processed food dominate the local food environment.

Diets that are high in fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt contribute to cancer development by causing inflammation that promotes cell damage and tissue invasion.

Moreover, overweight and obesity increase the risk of developing various cancers, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

Barriers to cancer screening and treatment

Low-income individuals often have limited or no access to cancer screening and treatment, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and worse health outcomes.

Lack of health insurance is a significant barrier to regular cancer screening and timely treatment among poor populations. With limited financial resources, many people opt not to seek medical attention, even when they experience symptoms of cancer.

Furthermore, cancer treatment is often complex and expensive. Many low-income individuals are unable to afford treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be too high, leading to patients foregoing necessary treatment.

Efforts to reduce cancer disparities

The disparities in cancer incidence and mortality among poor populations are a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address.

Here are a few examples of interventions that can help reduce the disparity in cancer incidence and mortality:.

Access to Healthcare

A fundamental step in reducing cancer disparities is to increase access to healthcare for underserved communities.

This includes affordable health insurance plans, community health clinics, and mobile health units that bring health services to the people, particularly those living in rural or remote areas.

Cancer Education and Awareness

Increasing cancer education and awareness among low-income communities can help individuals identify symptoms at an earlier stage and seek medical attention early.

This can improve early detection outcomes, which can be critical for successful treatment and survival.

Healthy food distribution

To address the issue of food insecurity in low-income communities, initiatives that promote healthy food distribution can be implemented. This includes providing vouchers for healthy food, establishing farmers markets, and creating community gardens.

Initiatives like these can improve access to fresh and nutritious food while promoting healthy food choices.

Community-Based initiatives

Collaborative community-based initiatives can create opportunities for underserved populations to increase their social capital and to advocate for their needs and interests.

Community-based initiatives may include culturally appropriate cancer information, cancer survivor support groups, community awareness campaigns, and community health navigation programs.

Conclusion

The poor communities have less access to quality healthcare, and they are often exposed to environmental toxins, inadequate nutrition, and other factors that contribute to unhealthy lifestyles.

Cancer disparities among the poor population are a significant public health issue that needs immediate attention. Understanding the reasons behind these disparities, the impact of the disparities on the communities, and what can be done to reduce them is vital to improving overall health outcomes and achieving health equity.