Cancer and Poverty: BIPS Examines Social Inequalities in Cancer Care

A cancer diagnosis can entail not only health-related burdens but also significant social and financial burdens. Income may decline, for example, due to prolonged inability to work or a reduction in working hours. At the same time, additional expenses may arise—such as for transportation, copayments, or assistance with daily living. How such burdens affect the care and living conditions of those affected has not yet been sufficiently researched.

With its new priority funding program “Cancer and Poverty,” German Cancer Aid is supporting six research projects that examine social inequalities in cancer care and the financial consequences of cancer. The projects will receive a total of 3.1 million euros in funding over three years.

BIPS Project Examines Lung Cancer Care

BIPS is participating in the DICCS project: “Social Inequality in Cancer Care: A Mixed-Methods Study Based on Primary and Secondary Data.” Using lung cancer as a case study, the researchers are investigating whether and how social disparities manifest in access to medical care and the utilization of care services.

The project also aims to contribute to a better understanding of barriers and supportive factors from the patients’ perspective. Another focus is the question of how a cancer diagnosis affects the social and financial situation of those affected.

The project is led by Prof. Dr. Hajo Zeeb and PD Dr. Tilmann Brand from the BIPS Department of Prevention and Evaluation, as well as Prof. Dr. Ulrike Haug from the BIPS Department of Clinical Epidemiology.

Insights for More Equitable Care

The funding program focuses on two central questions: How do socioeconomic disparities—such as differences in education, occupation, and income—affect the health care of cancer patients? And what are the financial consequences of a cancer diagnosis, particularly for people with low socioeconomic status?

The findings are intended to help better identify social and financial burdens and develop strategies for improving care and support. In the long term, they can help ensure that a person’s social or financial situation does not determine the care they receive for cancer.

Further information on the program can be found here.