What is the impact of social determinants of health on cancer outcomes?

The correct answer highlights that social determinants of health create disparities in access to care, treatment adherence, and health literacy, which significantly impact cancer outcomes. Social determinants of health encompass a wide range of factors such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood environments, and social support networks. These factors influence an individual's ability to access medical care, adhere to treatment regimens, and understand health information.

For instance, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have less access to screening and preventive services, which can lead to later-stage diagnoses and poorer prognoses. Similarly, limited health literacy can impede a patient’s understanding of their condition and treatment options, leading to decreased adherence to prescribed therapies. All of these factors contribute to variations in cancer outcomes experienced by different demographic groups.

This comprehensive view emphasizes that the barriers created by social determinants profoundly affect not just physical health but the entire continuum of cancer care, ultimately influencing patients' survival rates and quality of life.