The Patients Association has published a report about health inequalities in cancer care.
The project was funded by a grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. It looked at the challenges some people face when trying to access health and care services.
Researchers reviewed existing studies, spoke to charities and organisations, and held focus groups with patients and carers. They also carried out an interview with someone with lived experience.
What the report found
The report found that many people face barriers when accessing cancer care and support.
Some people experienced:
- delays in getting a diagnosis
- difficulties accessing services
- discrimination and unfair treatment
- poor communication from healthcare services
- high costs for travel and medicines
- challenges understanding and navigating the healthcare system
The report also found that wider factors can affect people’s health. These include poor housing, low income and living in more deprived areas.
Some participants said they did not always trust healthcare services. This was particularly common among people from racially minoritised communities and LGBTQ+ communities.
Recommendations
The report recommends:
- investing more in the factors that affect health and wellbeing, such as housing and income
- improving access to health and care services
- providing training for health and care staff on equality, inclusion and cultural awareness
- tackling discrimination and racism in healthcare settings
- improving coordination between services
These actions could help reduce health inequalities and improve access to care for people living with cancer and blood disorders.
About the project
The project included a review of research on health inequalities affecting people with cancer and blood disorders.
Researchers also spoke to local charities and organisations and held focus groups with patients and carers. These conversations helped gather a range of views and experiences from people directly affected by cancer and blood disorders.
Read the full research report