Tackling Cancer Health Inequalities in Patients with Serious Mental Illness

Addressing health disparities, especially for patients with serious mental illness (SMI), is crucial in improving cancer treatment outcomes. This post by Matthew Mckenzie who facilitates the National cancer carer forum explores the multifaceted challenges faced by this vulnerable group and the necessary steps to tackle these inequalities.

To watch the video regarding Cancer and Serious Mental Illness, please click below.

Before continuing with the post, South East London Cancer Alliance. have just released their Cancer And Serious Mental Illness Information Resource. These have been co-created by SELCA, South London & Maudsley and the HIN, while working closely with people with lived experience of cancer and serious mental illnesses. You can visit and see the resources here: https://www.selca.nhs.uk/patients-and-carers/cancer-and-serious-mental-illness

The following sections might be of particular interest as they focus on cancer risks and screening.

• Cancer and You, including understanding the relationship between cancer and SMI and reducing personal risks.
• Cancer Screening, including how to access support during the cancer screening process.

The resources also has lots of supportive information about going through the diagnosis process and managing cancer too.

• The Diagnosis Process, including information about how the diagnosis process takes place and support during stressful periods
• Wellbeing and Cancer, including advice on maintaining overall health and wellbeing and help with managing financial pressures and other practical issues during cancer treatment
• Psychological Support During Cancer Treatment, including information to help make sure that cancer and mental health teams are working together effectively to provide the best care possible
• Talking About Your Mental Health Condition, a guide to preparing for appointments and staying in control of treatment preferences

Continuing on with this post, you can explore the barriers to Cancer treatments and support due to the challenges mental illness can cause.

Impact of Mental Illness on Cancer Outcomes

Influence on Treatment Adherence

One of the primary ways mental illness impacts cancer outcomes is through treatment adherence. Individuals experiencing severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress are statistically less likely to follow through with treatment plans. This includes attending appointments, complying with treatment protocols, and engaging in post-treatment care.

Immune System Considerations

Mental illness can also have a detrimental effect on the body’s immune system, making it more challenging for patients to combat cancer. The physiological stress caused by mental health issues can weaken immune responses, reducing the body’s ability to fight off cancer cells effectively.

Barriers to Accessing Care

Systemic Inequalities

Systematic barriers significantly hinder access to cancer care for individuals with mental illness. These barriers are often a result of disparities ingrained within healthcare systems, affecting the availability and quality of care.

Financial Constraints

Economic factors further contribute to these inequalities. Patients from minority groups or low-income backgrounds often face additional financial challenges, such as difficulty affording treatments or the associated costs of care.

The Role of Stigma

Delayed Diagnosis

Stigma attached to mental illness can lead to delays in seeking help for cancer symptoms. Patients may avoid disclosing symptoms or seeking care due to the fear of discrimination and judgment from healthcare providers or society at large.

Underdiagnosed and Undertreated Conditions

Mental health conditions are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated, particularly in patients who have less access to healthcare resources. This can result in a failure to identify and adequately treat cancer, leading to a vicious cycle of deteriorating mental and physical health.

Social and Economic Challenges

Economic Strain

Patients dealing with both mental illness and cancer often face severe economic strain. Issues such as job loss and social isolation further exacerbate their situation, diminishing their ability to access necessary care and support networks.

Carer Struggles

Carers supporting individuals with both mental illness and cancer face significant challenges. Providing adequate support becomes an uphill battle, often without sufficient resources or backing, further stressing the importance of addressing these healthcare gaps.

Minority and Ethnic Disparities

Higher Risk for Minority Groups

Patients from minority racial or ethnic backgrounds face a heightened risk of being underdiagnosed or undertreated when it comes to both mental illness and cancer. These disparities compound the challenges faced by these already vulnerable groups, contributing to worsening health outcomes.

Economic and Social Complications

Job Loss and Isolation

Individuals with both SMI and cancer are often subjected to greater economic strain due to job loss or being forced into social isolation. These economic and social issues create a negative feedback loop that further hinders access to necessary care and support systems.

Vicious Cycle

The combination of health, economic, and social issues creates a vicious cycle, where one problem exacerbates another. This cycle needs to be broken by comprehensive and inclusive healthcare policies aimed at addressing the unique needs of these patients.

Supporting Carers in the Fight

Mental Health Carers’ Role

Carers of patients with both cancer and mental illness are at the frontline, often struggling to balance their own well-being with the demands of providing care. It is vital to offer them support and resources to help manage these dual roles effectively.

Initiatives and Alliances

Organizations like the Southeast Cancer Alliance are crucial in this battle. By focusing on reducing health inequalities, these groups work towards creating a fairer healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

Addressing the health inequalities faced by individuals with serious mental illness and cancer is not just a medical imperative but a social one. Ensuring equitable access to cancer care and improving support systems will not only enhance treatment outcomes but also significantly improve the quality of life for these vulnerable patients.

In conclusion, the fight against cancer must incorporate a comprehensive understanding of mental health challenges. By doing so, we can ensure that all patients, regardless of their mental health status or socio-economic background, receive the care and support they deserve. This holistic approach is essential for bridging the gap in cancer health inequalities and fostering a more equitable healthcare system.