Grant: Health System Impact Fellowships - Doctoral Western 1-year

Even though there have been many improvements in cancer research and treatment, cancer is a leading cause of death for Canadians. Although work is being done to reduce the numbers of people who get cancer or become very sick from cancer, access to cancer treatment and care is uneven. The burden of cancer is especially high among vulnerable groups who experience inequities resulting from poverty and issues such as inadequate housing and racism and being stigmatized because of substance use and/or mental illness. The research indicates many cancers diagnosed in vulnerable groups are preventable and highly curable. However, barriers to accessible healthcare result in an advanced stage at diagnosis and higher death rates. While these systemic issues are at the forefront of policy on equitable cancer control, there is very little research to inform policy and practice innovation. The objective of this project is to utilize research to describe and understand the barriers to accessible cancer treatment for vulnerable groups with the purpose of informing healthcare practitioners and policy makers. This research will serve as important groundwork to implement better strategies for equal access to cancer treatment and for people who are vulnerable and marginalized.