Pharmacy Times Featured Cover Article: Social Determinants of Health Play Key Role in Patients’ Health Journey

Disparities occur most frequently in population groups defined by race/ethnicity/national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, geographic location, income, education, and age.1

A recent study showed that over 2 decades, the 5-year survival rate for patients younger than 50 with colorectal cancer improved for White individuals but not for those who are Black, Hispanic, or Asian American. Additionally, Black patients with multiple myeloma have more than double the mortality rate seen among White patients.2 Data shows the LGBTQ+ community face disadvantages compared with heterosexual patients in terms of screening, diagnosis, and treatment.3 In rural areas of the country, the data shows that LGBTQ+ individuals have a 17% higher cancer death rate.4

Specialty pharmacies are positioned at the treatment phase of the patient journey. This article, featured in Pharmacy Times, discusses an approach that specialty pharmacies can use to improve, refine, and advance service and support for patients in a way that promotes positive outcomes while addressing SDOH.

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References

  1. Cancer disparities. National Cancer Institute. Updated March 28, 2022. Accessed July 14, 2022. https://www.cancer.gov/aboutcancer/understanding/disparities

  2. Persistent racial, ethnic disparities found in survival rates for early-onset colon cancer. News release. American Gastroenterological Association. May 24, 2022. Accessed July 14, 2022. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/953191

  3. Cedars-Sinai Cancer: Erasing LGBTQ+ healthcare disparities. News release. Cedars-Sinai Cancer. May 19, 2022. Accessed July 14, 2022. https://www.newswise.com/articles/cedars-sinai-cancer-erasing-lgbtq-healthcare-disparities

  4. AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2022. American Association for Cancer Research. Accessed June 15, 2022. http://www.CancerDisparitiesProgress-Report.org/

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