Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cardio-Oncology Care.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review examines racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in cardio-oncology care, evaluating current evidence and proposing evidence-based strategies to address inequities in cardiovascular care for cancer patients.

Recent findings: Significant disparities exist in cardio-oncology outcomes and access across populations. Racial and ethnic minoritized groups face higher cardiovascular mortality and increased cardiotoxicity risks during cancer treatment. These populations also preset with more advanced-stage cancer diagnoses and increased burden of cardiovascular risk factors. Social vulnerability indices strongly correlate with worse outcomes, while geographic location and environmental factors create additional risks. Rural populations particularly struggle with access to specialized care and clinical trials. Multiple factors contribute to disparities in cardio-oncology, including social determinants of health, disproportionate burden of cardiovascular risk factors, barriers to access, and environmental exposures. Key solutions include expanding access to subspecialty care, creation of collaborations between academic centers and community hospitals, particularly those in underserved communities, enhancing community engagement and public health education, improving clinical trial representation, increasing workforce diversity, and enhancing cultural competency. These findings emphasize the need for systematic healthcare delivery changes and resource allocation to achieve equitable cardio-oncology care for all populations.