Addressing Global Cancer Care Inequities Using Implementation Science and Community-Engaged Research Approaches

Abstract

Advances in cancer prevention efforts, screening and early detection, and treatments have contributed to steady reductions in cancer mortality for individuals in high-income countries in recent years. Yet, these benefits have not yet been realised for many populations across the globe, particularly for those residing in low- and middle-income countries, and in other medically underserved communities. Addressing cancer disparities will require targeted efforts to equitably improve cancer care delivery across the care continuum; from detection, through treatment, and to survivorship. This feature article describes how implementation science and community-engaged approaches can address cancer inequities by improving the delivery, uptake, and effective expansion of evidence-based cancer care in real-world resource-limited settings.