Understanding and tackling cancer inequities: What opportunities does intersectionality offer researchers, policymakers, and providers? A scoping review.

Abstract

Problem identification: We summarised the international evidence relating to the role of intersectionality in patients' lived experience of inequities along the cancer care pathway. We produced guidance to use intersectionality in future research.

Literature search: We included 42 articles published between 1989 to 2023 that used intersectionality to guide the study and interpretation of inequities in cancer care.

Data evaluation/synthesis: Articles predominantly comprised North American (n = 37), followed by European (n = 4) and Asian (n = 1) studies. Similar compounding effects of racism, homophobia, and discrimination across countries exacerbated inequities in cancer care experience and cancer outcomes particularly for women of color and sexual/gender minority groups. Professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward minoritised groups affected patient-provider relationships and influenced cancer patients' psychosocial responses.

Conclusion: Intersectionality provides a framework to assess the personal, interpersonal, and structural processes through which cancer inequities manifest within and across countries.