Equitable access to medical treatment for cancer patients is a critical issue that affects health outcomes and overall quality of life. Cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, can be costly and are often beyond the financial reach of many patients, especially when not fully covered by public health systems. In Canada, for instance, provincial health insurance may cover standard treatments, but many newer or more specialized therapies, such as immunotherapy or advanced genetic testing, may not be accessible without significant out-of-pocket expenses.
According to the National Institute of Health (2022), the number of individuals living with metastatic cancer is projected to increase from 2019 to 2025 for breast, bladder, colorectal and prostate cancers. The more cancers metastasize in an individual, the less opportunity for standard treatments are available, and individuals have to turn to clinical trial drugs, or immunotherapy not covered by provincial health care. For many Canadians this comes as a shock– the idea that our healthcare is “free” is grilled into us; yet, when people are at their most vulnerable, they’re hit with treatment expenses sometimes well over $10,000 per month. For most people, this is simply not feasible.
Equity in cancer care goes beyond financial barriers. Geographic location can also determine the level of access to necessary treatments. Patients in rural or remote areas often face delays in receiving timely diagnosis and treatments due to a lack of local specialists and cancer centers. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and social support, play a significant role in a patient’s ability to navigate the healthcare system, adhere to treatment plans, and manage the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer.
Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care also persist, with studies showing that marginalized groups often receive less aggressive treatment or face implicit bias in medical settings (2020). This underscores the need for culturally competent care and policies that prioritize underserved populations to ensure that all patients receive the same quality of care, regardless of background.
To address these inequities, healthcare systems must invest in expanded coverage, improve access to cutting-edge treatments, and implement patient centred policies that account for social determinants of health. Equitable cancer care requires a concerted effort from governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure that every patient has the opportunity to receive the best possible care.
Supporting patients at their most vulnerable point is incredibly important for the emotional wellbeing of each individual. Much of our strength as human beings comes from feeling supported and motivated to keep fighting. Financial stress, uncertainty, and lack of access to care are all burdens that ought to be alleviated so that the person has the opportunity to focus on what really matters: healing.
Written by: Mercedes Tibollo
References:
American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2020). Disparities in cancer care: What we know and what we need to do. ASCO Educational Book, (40), e1-e7.
Miller, K. D., Nogueira, L., Mariotto, A. B., Rowland, J. H., Yabroff, K. R., Alfano, C. M., Jemal, A., Kramer, J. L., & Siegel, R. L. (2023). The number of individuals living with metastatic cancer in the United States is increasing due to advances in treatment and rising incidence rates. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 32(3), 455-464. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-22-0867