Inequality and cancer recurrence: a scoping review
Problem
Background: Cancer recurrence is the second clinical episode of cancer after initial cancer cure and causes 67% of all cancer-related deaths. Existing research on cancer recurrence focuses on two broad areas: (i) tumour characteristics and treatment such as radiotherapy; and (ii) behavioural factors such as diet. Despite this, there is a limited understanding about the impact of broader sociological and economic factors on the risk of cancer recurrence. Understanding who is at risk of cancer recurrence and why they have an elevated risk can improve understanding on how to detect and prevent cancer recurrence.This scoping review aims to identify the association between inequalities, such as low socioeconomic status and disability, and cancer recurrence. It will answer the following research questions:1. How is recurrence defined in studies looking at the association between inequalities and cancer recurrence?2. Is cancer recurrence associated with exposure to different inequalities or marginalised backgrounds? 3. What are the views of people exposed to inequalities or from marginalised backgrounds with a diagnosis of cancer, on cancer recurrence?
Approach
A scoping review (Joanna Briggs Institute, 2020) was conducted to identify the relationship between inequality and cancer recurrence by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL from 2000 to January 2024. The search strategy involved a modified PROGRESS-Plus framework to cover several definitions of inequality such as place and social capital. A greater focus was placed on intersectionality, multiple and cumulative disadvantages, since PROGRESS-Plus has been criticised for its omission.The population is people who are subject to health inequalities including marginalised people in terms of place of residence, race/ethnicity, cultures, non-English language, occupations, sex and gender minorities, intellectual disabilities, religion, education, lower socioeconomic status, social capital, school exclusion, being a carer, being homeless, sex workers, asylum seekers, refugees as well as intersectionality The concept is cancer recurrence. The context is English language primary and secondary quantitative research.
Findings
Full study results will be available prior to the conference.
Consequences
This study will review the current evidence on the association between inequality and cancer recurrence. This could inform cancer recurrence detection and prevention approaches in primary care in the future.