Addressing Structural Drivers of Cancer Inequities

Profound inequities in cancer incidence, access to care, and survivorship persist both within and across countries, despite meaningful progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. These disparities are deeply rooted in large-scale structural forces—such as racism, sexism, colonial legacies, economic inequality, health system design, and policy environments—that shape the uneven distribution of power, resources, and opportunities. Interacting with social determinants such as income, education, housing, employment, and geography, these upstream influences profoundly influence cancer risk, stage at diagnosis, treatment access, quality of care and long-term outcomes globally. Closing the gaps in cancer outcomes requires a fundamental understanding of structural drivers and actionable strategies to transform them.

This Research Topic seeks to move beyond documenting disparities to critically examine and address the upstream determinants that create and sustain cancer inequities. The collection aims to deepen understanding of how laws, policies, social and economic systems, and institutional practices shape cancer risks and pathways to care across the complete spectrum of cancer management. We are particularly interested in work that clarifies mechanisms linking structural factors to cancer incidence and survival; evaluates the impact of legislation, health system design, and organizational policies; and investigates multilevel strategies to confront structural inequity. Submissions grounded in theoretical frameworks, robust methodological approaches, and community partnerships are especially encouraged. Through an interdisciplinary and global perspective, this Topic supports efforts to meet SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

We invite submissions from across epidemiology, public health, oncology, social sciences, health policy, implementation science, and community-engaged research. Studies may address any phase of the cancer continuum or context. We especially encourage work centering historically marginalized populations and analyses that examine inequity at structural, systemic, or policy levels.

Contributions may include, but are not limited to:

• Original Research on structural and social determinants of cancer incidence, diagnosis, treatment access, quality of care, or survivorship
• Intervention and implementation studies evaluating structural or policy-level strategies to reduce inequities
• Health services and policy research exploring access, health system design, financing, and legislative impacts
• Studies on research participation and clinical trial engagement, including strategies to dismantle systemic barriers
• Conceptual, theoretical, and methodological articles introducing frameworks or tools to measure structural determinants
• Reviews, Perspectives, and Policy Briefs synthesizing evidence and advancing actionable strategies for equity-focused cancer control

All submissions should clearly articulate implications for advancing equity in cancer care, research, and policy, and propose, evaluate, or inform strategies for more just and inclusive cancer control, globally.