Global Perspectives to Understanding and Addressing Social Inequalities in Uptake of Cancer Screening

This research explores global perspectives on understanding and addressing social inequalities in the uptake of cancer screening, with particular attention to populations that are often overlooked in public health research and policy. While cancer screening programs can reduce morbidity and mortality through early detection, participation remains uneven across social groups, contributing to disparities in cancer outcomes. The Research topic focuses on “hidden” and underserved populations, including people living with chronic health conditions, LGBTQ+ communities, individuals experiencing homelessness, and other groups facing social exclusion. We invite contributions from diverse international contexts, and research that aimed to identify structural, cultural, economic, and healthcare-system factors that influence screening access and engagement. It will explore barriers such as stigma, discrimination, competing health priorities, service accessibility, and mistrust of healthcare systems, alongside strategies that have successfully improved participation.

Despite the benefits of cancer screening, significant inequalities in uptake persist globally, particularly among underserved groups such as people living with chronic conditions, LGBTQ+ communities, individuals experiencing homelessness, migrants, and people with disabilities. These populations often face barriers including stigma, discrimination, competing health priorities, and limited access to healthcare, resulting in lower participation and poorer cancer outcomes.

This Research Topic seeks to advance understanding of the factors driving these disparities and identify effective strategies to improve equitable access. By bringing together international evidence on interventions, policies, and service innovations, it aims to inform more inclusive, user-centered cancer screening programs and reduce inequalities in cancer prevention and early diagnosis. We particularly encourage contributions focusing on underserved and often overlooked populations, including people living with chronic health conditions, LGBTQ+ communities, individuals experiencing homelessness, migrants, ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and other socially excluded populations

To gather further insights into global disparities in cancer screening participation, we welcome articles addressing—but not limited to—the following themes:

• Social, cultural, economic, and structural determinants of screening participation;

• The impact of multimorbidity and mental health conditions;

• Experiences of stigma, discrimination, and healthcare exclusion; and the influence of healthcare systems and screening policies on equitable access

• Intersectionality, gender, and the role of identity in healthcare engagement

• Innovative and community engaged interventions to improve screening uptake

• Digital health tools, outreach models, and participatory approaches

• Methodological advances for identifying and studying “hidden” populations

• International comparisons and cross country case studies informing inclusive screening policy

For this Research Topic, we welcome original research, reviews, methodological papers, policy analyses, and perspectives examining social inequalities in cancer screening uptake across diverse global contexts.