Policy solutions for reducing racial and ethnic disparities in cancer mortality
Keywords:
Racial, Cancer, Mortality, Policy, Ethnic, DisparityAbstract
Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer mortality represent a critical public health challenge in the United States, driven by complex intersections of socioeconomic inequities, healthcare access, and systemic biases. While existing research highlights the disproportionate burden of cancer mortality among minority populations, gaps remain in comprehensive policy-driven solutions addressing these disparities. This study explores effective policy interventions to mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in cancer mortality by systematically reviewing and synthesizing evidence using the PRISMA framework. The motivation stems from the persistent inequities in cancer outcomes, where Black, Hispanic, and Native American populations experience significantly higher mortality rates compared to their White counterparts, despite advancements in cancer detection and treatment. Existing research primarily emphasizes individual and community-level interventions, often overlooking structural barriers and systemic inequities. To address this research gap, the study employed PRISMA to systematically review 75 peer-reviewed articles and policy reports published between 2000 and 2023, identifying key determinants of disparities and evaluating policy solutions. Findings reveal that culturally tailored healthcare delivery models, expansion of Medicaid, targeted cancer screening programs and equitable access to clinical trials are essential for reducing disparities. However, policies are often underutilized or inadequately implemented in underserved communities. The study concludes that a multi-sectoral approach integrating healthcare reform, community empowerment, and social determinants of health is critical for sustainable progress. Recommendations include scaling up evidence-based interventions, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and implementing policies prioritizing equity in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. These measures can significantly reduce racial and ethnic disparities in cancer mortality.
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