Cancer health disparities in minority communities: peer support networks can bridge the gap

Peer support networks have been suggested to have significant utility in the care of patients with cancer, especially among racial minorities. This article proposes an approach to integrate peer support networks into the care of racial minorities with cancer.

Methods to integrate peer support groups across racial minorities with cancer include utilizing language and religion in strategic recruitment of peer supporters, recruiting minority peer supporters in online oncology peer support groups, and emphasizing relationship & trust building for participant retention.

Language concordance among peer support groups may enhance patient understandability, emotional expression, and create a sense of community and safety. Religious integration may also promote support group accessibility, particularly among Blacks, who tend to depend on their religious communities for cancer care guidance to a greater extent. In addition to providing knowledge, online opportunities may also decrease cancer-related stress, depression, and trauma. Trust between individuals and their sociocultural environment and healthcare system, as well as between the community and the healthcare system, is necessary, particularly for racial minorities who may harbor a historical mistrust of the healthcare system.

To close the racial cancer care gap, a multi-pronged approach is crucial. This includes establishing tailored peer support networks within minority communities that account for language, religion, and cultural factors to build trust and meet psycho-social needs. However, peer support is just one tool. Other critical tools such as holding healthcare institutions accountable for providing equitable care to racial minorities is equally vital in reducing disparities and improving survival outcomes.