Health Inequalities

  • 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime
  • 40% of cancer are preventable as they are related lifestyle risk factors
  • Poorer outcomes for population groups in the more deprived quintiles due to late diagnoses
  • Pandemic and cost of living crisis has exacerbated the above issues

A new report from the Institute of Health Equity makes the case for   prioritising reducing fuel poverty to address health inequalities and provides   a useful framework for healthcare institutes to address health inequalities.

People living with cancer in the most socio-economically deprived areas:

  • are 20% more likely to have their cancer diagnosed at a late stage
  • receive only half the number of referrals to early stage clinical trials
  • face almost 25% more emergency admissions in the last year of life compared to people in the least deprived areas

People with the lowest incomes:

  • are almost twice as likely to report a need for more emotional support
  • are twice as likely to want more practical support inside the home
  • are three times more likely to need practical support outside the home than people with a higher income
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Above: An engagement event with The Friends of Caswell Thompson and SWAG primary Care networks aimed at supporting balanced decision making in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer in Black men

Useful links