Cancer care and treatment during homelessness
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2-1-2024
Journal
The Lancet. Oncology
Volume
25
Issue
2
DOI
10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00567-3
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness have not yet benefited from the substantial progress made in managing cancers, including advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgical interventions, multidisciplinary team approaches, and integrated cancer care models. People experiencing homelessness are at higher risks of developing cancers and their mortality due to cancer is twice that of the general population. Potential interventions to improve access to cancer treatment include alliances and active engagement with community organisations and shelters, cancer case management and peer-to-peer support, mHealth and navigation strategies, tailored hospital discharge to adult group homes, well equipped subacute rehabilitation centres, and specialised shelters and respite housing to assure appropriate follow-up care. Other interventions include improving preventive care, expanding data, targeted policy efforts, and broader housing advocacy. In this Personal View, I discuss challenges and opportunities in cancer treatment, with a review of the current evidence on potential interventions, and highlight strategies to improve access to cancer care for homeless populations.
APA Citation
Asgary, Ramin, "Cancer care and treatment during homelessness" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 4411.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/4411
Department
Global Health