Report on Social Determinants of Health in Community Oncology and Their Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Social determinants of health (SDOH) play a critical role in cancer care, influencing patient outcomes and access to treatment. Key factors include insurance coverage, transportation, housing, and nutrition. This report emphasizes the importance of addressing these determinants within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, inequality, and sustainable communities.

Key Social Determinants of Health in Cancer Care

Nicolas Ferreyros, Managing Director of the Community Oncology Alliance, highlights several essential social determinants impacting cancer care:

1. Insurance Coverage: Determines the ability to afford and access cancer treatments.
2. Transportation: Affects the patient’s capacity to attend screenings and treatment appointments.
3. Housing: Stability in housing influences overall health and treatment adherence.
4. Nutrition: Essential for patient health during treatment and recovery.

These factors align closely with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Impact of Social Determinants on Cancer Care Access and Outcomes

• SDOH influence early cancer detection through access to screenings.
• They affect the affordability and continuity of treatment.
• Understanding a patient’s social context is crucial for personalized and effective care.

Healthcare providers must integrate SDOH screenings to gain comprehensive insight into patients’ lives, thereby improving treatment adherence and outcomes. This approach supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by addressing disparities in healthcare access.

Disparities in Cancer Outcomes Among Patient Populations

Cancer burden is unevenly distributed across populations, influenced by factors such as:

• Place of birth
• Racial and ethnic background
• Income level
• Education level

These disparities affect every stage of the cancer journey, from screening to survival. Recognizing and addressing these inequities is essential to achieving equitable health outcomes.

This focus corresponds with SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, emphasizing the need to eliminate disparities based on socioeconomic and demographic factors.

Addressing Root Causes to Improve Cancer Care Equity

Effective cancer care must consider the root social and economic causes that hinder patient outcomes, including:

• Economic challenges related to treatment costs
• Housing insecurity
• Nutrition deficiencies
• Transportation barriers

By tackling these issues, healthcare systems contribute to SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, fostering environments where patients can access and complete cancer treatment successfully.

Conclusion

Integrating social determinants of health into community oncology practices is vital for reducing disparities and improving cancer outcomes. Aligning these efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals ensures a holistic approach to health equity, sustainable communities, and well-being for all individuals affected by cancer.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on cancer care, access to treatment, and addressing disparities in health outcomes, which directly relate to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Issues such as affordability of treatment, insurance coverage, and economic barriers highlight the connection to reducing poverty and its impact on health.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses disparities in cancer outcomes based on socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and education, linking to the goal of reducing inequalities within and among countries.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Transportation and housing as social determinants of health connect to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
5. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Nutrition is mentioned as a key social determinant impacting cancer care, relating to ending hunger and ensuring access to safe, nutritious food.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services and medicines.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
   • Target 1.3: Implement social protection systems and measures for all, including the poor and vulnerable.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or economic or other status.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
5. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Insurance Coverage Rates
   • Implied as a measure of access to healthcare and financial protection (related to SDG 3.8 and SDG 1.3).
2. Access to Cancer Screening and Treatment
   • Indicators measuring the proportion of population receiving cancer screenings and completing treatment (related to SDG 3.4 and 3.8).
3. Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
   • Data on cancer incidence, survival rates, and mortality disaggregated by race, ethnicity, income, and education (related to SDG 10.2).
4. Transportation and Housing Accessibility
   • Measures of availability and affordability of transport and housing for patients (related to SDG 11.1 and 11.2).
5. Nutrition Status
   • Indicators on access to nutritious food among cancer patients (related to SDG 2.1).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ajmc.com