Barriers Impeding Cancer Treatment Access for Individuals with HIV

Recent research led by Moffitt Cancer Center reveals that individuals living with HIV face significant obstacles in accessing critical cancer treatment, particularly when residing in communities characterized by low income and educational attainment. The findings, published in the journal Cancer, underscore the correlation between socioeconomic factors and healthcare access.

The study examined cancer treatment records of over 31,000 adults diagnosed with one of 14 prevalent cancers between 2004 and 2020. Alarmingly, it was found that 16.5% of these patients did not receive the recommended first-line curative treatment for their diagnosed cancers. This disparity in care was directly linked to the socioeconomic context of the patients' residential areas.

According to the lead researcher, the socioeconomic status of a community plays a pivotal role in determining healthcare access. This research emphasizes that the issue extends beyond mere access to treatment facilities; it encompasses broader social and economic frameworks that influence health outcomes. Interventions aimed at addressing these systemic barriers are crucial for closing the treatment gap for individuals with HIV.

The study's analysis indicated that patients with HIV residing in areas with the lowest educational attainment were 27% less likely to receive curative cancer treatment compared to their counterparts in higher education regions. Similarly, those living in low-income neighborhoods exhibited the same percentage drop in treatment likelihood, even after controlling for various factors such as age, sex, cancer type, diagnosis stage, and treatment facility.

The majority of participants in the study were male (68%), aged 60 years or older (43%), and predominantly from the Southern United States (39%). The most commonly diagnosed cancers among the cohort included lung cancer, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer.

Experts involved in the study assert that structural determinants, rather than individual health complexities, are likely the root cause of these disparities in cancer care access for people living with HIV. Ensuring equitable access to lifesaving cancer treatments for every patient, regardless of their ZIP code, remains a pressing challenge.

This research highlights the urgent need for policies and community-level initiatives that address the social determinants of health, such as educational access and economic opportunities. By tackling these underlying issues, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards ensuring equitable cancer care for all individuals, irrespective of their HIV status.