Social determinants of health linked to more fatalistic cancer beliefs
New research from Thomas Jefferson University shows that greater cumulative exposure to adverse social determinants of health is associated with beliefs that cancer is unavoidable or a death sentence. This can influence whether people choose to be screened for common cancers or seek treatment after a diagnosis.
A recent study conducted at Thomas Jefferson University has uncovered a significant link between exposure to adverse social determinants of health and fatalistic beliefs about cancer. The research, published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, analyzed survey data from over 1,400 individuals across seven counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The findings reveal that those living below the poverty level, facing housing insecurity, lacking health insurance, or experiencing social isolation were more likely to hold fatalistic views about cancer.
Dr. Nicole Simone, the study's senior author, explains that fatalistic beliefs are characterized by the idea that one's actions are irrelevant in the face of a cancer diagnosis, leading some patients to forgo treatment or screening. The study's unique approach involved measuring the cumulative impact of multiple social risk factors, rather than focusing on individual elements.
Simone highlights the importance of standardizing protocols to screen patients for these social determinants, as it enables healthcare providers to identify at-risk individuals and provide tailored support. The study's co-authors include Ayesha Ali, MD, Sarah Burke, Jaitri Joshi, Alexandria Smith, Brittany Smith, and Kamryn Hines.
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