London, 16th December – A new report by the Patients Association, funded by pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb, has revealed significant disparities in access to healthcare for patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders. The report, released on Monday 16 December, 2024, highlights the impact of social determinants of health, systemic barriers, and discrimination on the health outcomes of underserved communities.
The report, distributed by press release company Pressat, calls for a patient-centred approach to healthcare that prioritises shared decision-making and equal partnership between patients and healthcare providers. It also urges a multi-agency approach to tackle health disparities, aligning national and local strategies such as NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 framework to improve early cancer diagnosis.
According to the report, patients from underserved communities consistently experience worse health outcomes and lower standards of care due to factors such as delayed diagnoses, lower uptake of screening programmes, and mistrust of healthcare systems. Barriers such as low health literacy, cultural insensitivity from staff, and systemic discrimination further hinder equitable access to care.
The report, which was developed with input from patients and organisations working with underserved communities, highlights the pervasive mistrust of the healthcare system among marginalized groups. This mistrust is often a result of discrimination, including delayed diagnoses and unequal access to treatment. LGBTQ+ patients and those with sickle cell disease reported particularly hostile or dismissive interactions with healthcare providers.
The report also highlights the role of social determinants of health, such as inadequate housing, poverty, and living in deprived neighborhoods, in contributing to higher rates of cancer and mortality, as well as reduced access to essential healthcare resources.
In light of these findings, the Patients Association is calling for urgent action at both a national and local level. They are urging policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to work together to ensure equitable access to care for all patients.
Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, reflected on the report, stating, “Equitable healthcare is an urgent necessity. It is deeply concerning that barriers such as systemic discrimination, financial hardship, and mistrust of the health and care system persist, disproportionately affecting underserved communities. Only by addressing these disparities can we achieve a health and care system that provides equality and dignity for all. We call on the government and the health and care system to align national and local strategies, address the social determinants of health, and foster trust between patients and healthcare providers. We must work together to close these gaps and build a system rooted in fairness, trust, and accessibility.”
For more information, please contact media@patients-association.org.uk.
Notes for editors:
The Patients Association is an independent charity with the purpose of ensuring that everyone has access to the health and care they need to live well. Their mission is to ensure that services are designed and delivered through equal partnership with patients.
