“Social Inclusion is defined as the process of improving the terms of participation in society, particularly for people who are disadvantaged, through enhancing opportunities, access to resources, voice and respect for rights.” (“Identifying social inclusion and exclusion,” obtained 2024). H4TG wanted to review the connection between social inclusion and cancer. Information was obtained from three separate articles where a conclusion was reached that social inclusion has a strong impact on the treatment and well-being of those facing a cancer diagnosis.
An article written by Brener et al., (2014), explains that there are three potential barriers to social inclusion with Aboriginal people facing cancer treatment. These barriers include “socio-economic security, trust, and difficulties in knowing the system of cancer treatment.” An article published by The University of Calgary discussed the idea of “pharmacoethnicity” which relates to ethnic diversity in drug response or toxicity. (Bharwani, 2020). This concept states that people from different ethnicities could respond differently to similar cancer treatment doses based on their environment and genetics. The article further explains that that drug makers use genomes during drug development and people with European ancestry account for 81% of registered genomes. The article proposes that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) may be excluded from the process of drug development despite their unique disease variations. Finally, Bharwani. (2020), reveals that loneliness is connected to a 26% increase in premature death and that racialized groups bear a disproportionate burden of loneliness.
These articles demonstrate a need for continued research discussion, and advocacy related to the importance of social inclusion and equitable access to cancer services. Furthermore, this information indicates the significant importance of group related peer and mental health support.
Reference
https://ucalgary.ca/news/cancer-and-loneliness-how-inclusion-could-save-lives