Can early cancer detection be improved in deprived areas by involving community pharmacists?

Abstract

The key to the success of cancer treatments and better clinical outcomes is early detection. The incidence and mortality from cancer is higher in patients with lower socioeconomic status compared to that for more affluent patients.1 General practice is crucial for the early diagnosis of cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted pre-existing GP workforce and access inequalities, which are expected to get worse.2 The 2020 General Practice Patient Survey suggests that patients from deprived areas have more difficulties accessing general practice than patients from affluent areas.3 Secondary care treatment waiting times have also become longer compared to pre-pandemic levels, and have increased significantly in deprived populations.4