The Patients Association: Improving health equity for patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders (16 December 2024)

Summary

Health disparities are systemic and deeply rooted in social and economic inequities. Patients living in deprived areas, from racially minoritised communities, or facing additional challenges such as homelessness or intellectual disabilities experience worse health outcomes. These disparities are compounded by mistrust in healthcare, low health literacy, cultural barriers, and discrimination. 

This report focuses on patients with blood disorders and/or cancers who experience health inequalities, and therefore have worse outcomes and experiences of care than patients who don’t. We looked at how social and economic factors affect the health of people living with blood disorders and cancer. 

Content

Report key findings: 

• Patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders experience significant barriers to care including delays in diagnosis, unequal access to services, and systemic discrimination, 
• These patients also reported challenges navigating healthcare, a lack of communication, and economic burdens such as high transportation and medication costs, 
• Social determinants of health like inadequate housing and living in deprived areas further worsened outcomes, 
• Participants emphasised mistrust in the healthcare system, particularly among racially minoritised and LGBTQ+ communities, and highlighted the need for better coordination, cultural sensitivity training, and localised services. 
• The project involved a literature review on health disparities and social determinants affecting patients with cancer and blood disorders. Discussions were held with local and condition-specific charities, and we conducted focus groups and a case study interview with patients and carers. These efforts aimed to gather diverse perspectives and first-hand accounts of lived experiences.