Cancer affects one in every two people, and despite improvements in cancer survivorship, over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted in 2050. A global cancer burden is growing and global estimates reveal significant inequities in cancer care.
Women’s College Hospital scientist, Dr. Ambreen Sayani, leads a person-centred research program focused on promoting cancer prevention, early detection and access to high quality care for all. In her role as health equity expert advisor to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, she guides the partnership’s efforts to achieve equitable access to quality cancer care for all people in Canada.
She also co-initiated a group called EMPaCT, which engages directly with diverse members of community to give them direct influence on healthcare decisions that can promote health equity.
She is working towards a future where cancer care gaps are closed for good, and healthcare is effective, safe and equitable for all.
“Last year, 40,200 women died of cancer in Canada,” said Dr. Sayani. “But not all women have the same risks of dying from cancer. Factors like racism, sexism, ableism, classism and ageism can be the difference between life and death.”
Financial obstacles, geographic challenges, transportation limitations and the scarcity of culturally and linguistically suitable services are key factors that directly lead to delays in diagnosis, inadequate treatment and poor quality of care.
“This can occur in part because of lack of competencies to deliver equity-oriented healthcare and services that are not designed to respond to their needs,” explained Dr. Sayani.
Recently Dr. Sayani was invited to speak at the House of Commons to address three key actions to help close the cancer care gap for women.
- For women who experience financial hardship – Reduce the administrative burden of accessing resources required to support their care. More broadly, governing bodies must invest in resources to understand and respond to the real-life experiences of patients, with a focus on engaging those that are marginalized and underserved.
- For women who experience multiple barriers to care – Hospitals need cultural and linguistically accessible care pathways. We must strengthen community-based care and focus on diversifying the healthcare workforce so that it is representative of the populations that they serve.
- For women who experience discrimination – Implement training and awareness programs designed for professionals in the health and social sector, focusing on the historical and systemic factors that shape patient health. Responsive care can lead to better health outcomes.
“Care gaps are evident,” said Dr. Sayani. “They will require concerted and multipronged efforts across all sectors to address the root causes of social inequalities to improve health outcomes for all women.”
To listen to Dr. Sayani’s speech at the House of Commons, click here (11:09 – 11:14)