Beyond the Procedure: How Social Determinants Impact Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Survival

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Social determinants can remarkably affect an early diagnosis of lung cancer, which is often accompanied by a delayed detection and unfortunate outcome for the affected individuals, especially when they are coming from marginalized populations. Several factors affect an individual’s risk, treatment options, and even screening participation, such as one’s socioeconomic status, level of education, and access to a healthcare facility.

Read on to learn more about potential social determinants and their effect on early lung cancer diagnoses and survival. 

The Effects of One’s Socioeconomic Status on Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Starting with socioeconomic status, usually, individuals who fall on the lower spectrum of it are more likely to have very limited access to nutritious and healthy meals. People with a lower socioeconomic status are prone to smoking as they are targeted by the tobacco industry. 

Besides, a lower socioeconomic status grants no access to resources for quitting smoking. Besides, poverty causes stress, and the lack of coping mechanisms makes smoking a perceived better solution for the management of negative emotions or merely for the sake of filling the void.

Subsequently, people who fall on the lower spectrum of socioeconomic status have very limited access to health care and cessation programs, which leads to an early lung cancer diagnosis. 

No or Minimum Education Level

Understandably, lung cancer can affect anyone; however, there is a strong link between a lower socioeconomic status and a lower education level, which contribute to a greater risk of lung cancer. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that uneducated or people with lower education levels are more susceptible to lung cancer; however, we cannot deny that the socioeconomic factors that create specific circumstances increase the risk.

Usually, schools and colleges run educational programs to spread awareness of cancer risks and how smoking or drugs can contribute to increased exposure to environmental toxins. Nonetheless, a lack of access to the much-needed cessation programs can increase the rates of smoking, which increases the risk of lung cancer.

Exposure to Industrial Pollution

People with lower incomes usually live in older homes or environments that comprise higher radon levels, which can further increase the risk of developing lung cancer, especially when you are already a smoker. Also, people who fall in the lower category of socioeconomic status work lower-paying jobs, such as in atmospheres or environments where industrial pollution is high. They might as well be exposed to occupational hazards, such as asbestos, which is one of the leading causes of lung cancer.

People with lower SES are least likely to be part of lung cancer screening, which is why they typically miss out on the signs and treatment of early-stage lung cancer, and are at a higher risk of later-stage diagnoses. 

The Impact of Race and Ethnicity

A combination of various factors, such as limited health care access, socioeconomic disparities, and belief-related differences, can contribute to the fact that some ethnicities experience a later lung cancer diagnosis. These socioeconomic factors contribute to the delayed detection and subsequent treatment, which results in unfortunate outcomes compared to other individuals, especially those of white ethnicity.

For instance, the black ethnicity, along with other minor ethnicities, usually experiences lower exposure to lung cancer screening, which is why they are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage cancers. We cannot rule out systemic racism as some healthcare providers can be when it comes to screening, treatment decisions, and diagnosis. 

Nonetheless, cultural attitudes and belief-related factors towards healthcare can impact the willingness to participate in screening and subsequent treatment plans. 

Limited Access to Healthcare 

People with lower incomes naturally have limited access to healthcare due to financial, geographic, and social barriers. These factors can prevent low-income individuals from receiving timely and sufficient medical care, which significantly contributes to poorer health outcomes. For instance, a lack of health insurance can create serious financial barriers to screening and treatment. These aspects can cause missed opportunities for early cancer detection.

More often than not, people with lower incomes live in areas where they face transportation challenges, especially in underserved areas. These transportation challenges can make it hard to make it to the hospital for screening appointments. 

Other Social Determinants That Impact Diagnoses and Survival

Apart from the social determinants we mentioned above, several lifestyle factors, such as smoking, food choices, and mental health, impact early diagnosis and survival rate. For instance, a lower socioeconomic status is linked with a higher consumption of tobacco cigarettes, which enhances the risk of cancer. Low income often limits access to nutritious and healthy food options. 

Also, access to physical activity is low, which affects overall health, along with the risk of developing cancer. This lack of social support can cause mental health issues, which can affect the health behaviors of the affected individuals, which in turn increases the risk of lung cancer. Addressing these various socioeconomic determinants is absolutely mandatory for an increase in screening and a reduction in lung cancer.