Inequity in care delivery in cardio-oncology: dissecting disparities in underrepresented populations

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Patients with cancer face significantly higher cardiovascular mortality risk.
• Cardio-oncology focuses on managing cardiovascular disease in cancer patients.
• Advances in cancer care have revealed disparities in cardiovascular outcomes among marginalized populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors contributing to disparities in cardio-oncologic care.
• To identify barriers to equitable cardiovascular and cancer care in distinct populations.
• To emphasize the urgent need for interventions to address these gaps.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of factors influencing cardio-oncologic care disparities.
• Analysis of socioeconomic, racial, and cultural determinants of health.
• Examination of barriers to accessing quality medical care.

Main Results:

• Disparities exist in cardio-oncologic care for Hispanic/Latinx, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and immigrant populations.
• Factors include varying cancer screening rates, genetic predispositions, cultural stressors, tobacco use, and physical inactivity.
• Racial and socioeconomic contexts create significant barriers to care.

Conclusions:

• Equitable and timely cardiovascular and cancer care is critical for minority groups.
• Urgent efforts are needed to address the widening gap in cardio-oncologic outcomes.
• Addressing disparities requires a multifaceted approach considering diverse patient needs.