According to Shonta Chambers, MSW, Executive Vice President of Health Equity Initiatives and Community Engagement, Patient Advocate Foundation, the social determinants of health that hinder people’s ability to access and adhere to cancer care cannot be ignored if health equity is to be achieved.

Shonta Chambers, MSW

“These determinants have political underpinnings that continue to perpetuate disparate outcomes among populations of color,” said Ms. Chambers. “We have to systematically assess the social needs gaps in the context of health-care delivery for all patients and create sustainable partnerships and collaborations with entities best positioned to respond to them locally and nationally.”

Ms. Chambers continued: “Health-care outcomes are not limited to the four walls of the health-care systems. We must account for the social context of one’s health care and act on tangible solutions to respond to them. That is how we elevate cancer equity for everyone.” 

DISCLOSURE: Ms. Chambers reported no conflicts of interest.