The Intersection of Disability and Cancer: Improving Outcomes in Cancer Patients With Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Individuals with disabilities encounter unique healthcare navigation challenges, including structural and socioeconomic barriers.
• These challenges can potentially delay cancer diagnosis and treatment, yet remain under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the barriers to timely healthcare access for cancer patients with disabilities.
• To evaluate the impact of these barriers on health-related outcomes in cancer patients with disabilities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the All of Us Research Program, identifying patients with breast, lung, colorectal, melanoma, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers.
• Stratified patients by disability status (mobility, hearing, vision, communication, cognition) and employed propensity score matching for group balance.
• Assessed outcomes including healthcare access, financial burden, and physical and emotional health.

Main Results:

• Nearly 25% of cancer patients in the study reported a disability, often associated with older age, minority status, lower income, and unemployment.
• Patients with disabilities faced significantly higher out-of-pocket costs, transportation issues, and difficulties accessing medications, mental health services, specialty care, and follow-up care.
• Disability was linked to worse physical and mental health, increased pain, and reduced quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities exist in timely and affordable healthcare access for individuals with cancer and disabilities.
• These access barriers contribute to adverse health outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
• Further research is essential to understand and mitigate these inequities for vulnerable cancer patient populations.