Disparities in cancer care: An operative perspective

BackgroundHealth disparities in cancer care have been described and stem from a complex interplay of patient, provider, and instutional factors.MethodsA review of the literature describing disparities in aspects of cancer care was performed.ResultsDisparities in outcomes including overall survival for minority populations have been demonstrated to exist for race, age, and socioeconomic status.ConclusionDisparities in cancer care and outcomes clearly exist for many poorly understood reasons. After a diagnosis of cancer, barriers to care may develop at multiple points along the course of the patient's disease.