Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment, Essay Example

Introduction

Breast cancer treatment amongst aboriginals in Canada has raised international concerns.There appears to be numerous disparities in interventions aimed at treatment for a cure of breast cancer.  This essay attempts to address some of these disparities from a social, political and medical perspective

Discussion of breast cancer treatment disparities

Health disparities amongst Canadians is no secret. Frohlich, Ross and Richmond (2006) conducted studies relating ‘Health disparities in Canada today: some evidence and a theoretical framework’ (Frohlich, ross & Richmond, 2006, p 1). In their report the researchers found that while life expectancy measurements regarding Canadians’ health status has improved in recent years, with some disparities being reduced over the past 30 years;immense health inquities still exist among Canadians. For example, disparities regarding the treatment of diabetes among Aboriginals have increased drastically. Essentially, it was confirmed by these experts that the greatest disparities existing in Canada health care system are the ones existing among Aboriginals(Frohlichet.al, 2006).

They cited three social determinants, which may be responsible for Aboriginals’ health disparity syndrome. They encompass status, place in the social structure and income level (Frohlich eet.al, 2006). While these may pertain, specifically, to the overall health disparity factor, which has marginalized them, researchers have gone in-depth into finding other factors responsible for the health disparities pertaining to treatment of breast cancer specifically.

Jennifer Poudrier and Roanne Thomas Mac-Lean (2008) have referred to the phenomenon as‘we’ve fallen into the cracks’: Aboriginal women’s experiences with breast cancer through photo voice.’ The researchers contend that much more ought to be done regarding Aboriginal women’s health as it relates to breast cancer treatment.  The study was conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada. Persons participating  had to be Aboriginalwomen. They had all completed treatment. The group reported two major areasrequiring health intervention considerations. First, cultural beliefs and their identity as aboriginals with awkward traditional beliefs, was voiced. This criteria coincided with Frohlich, Ross and Richmond’s (2006) place in the society as being a source of the disparity. This was a values, which ought to be considered when designing breast cancer treatment for Aboriginals. Instead it is  beingperceived futile and unnecessary (Poudrier& Thomas Mac-Lean, 2008).

The second most important concern was taking a multidimensional approach into dealing with features of socio economic disparities, racisms, prejudice and domination. Politically, Aboriginals are marginalized due to the history of their positon in the world. Again this feature can be associated withFrohlich, Ross and Richmond’s (2006) ascription of status and income being a major causative factor leading to health disparities among segments of the population. An example of the impact of status  on health disparities pertains to undocumented immigrants’ access to Medicaid and Medicare. Their status makes them ineligible. Consequently, many health care services for which they cannot afford to pay are denied (Poudrier& Thomas Mac-Lean, 2008).

Aboriginal women automatically fall into a social status, which places them at the bottom of the strata. Many of them do not have health insurance and access to Medicaid might be limited. Approximately, ninety-nine percent of them do not work and therefore employee insurance coverage is not available to them. Ultimately, these women have fallen into a status of invisibility being considered uncivilized without a voice. These researchers advanced also that,historically in Canada women have been marginalized (Poudrier& Thomas Mac-Lean, 2008).

Campesino, Saenz& Choi (2012) confirmed in their analysis of‘perceived discrimination and ethnic identity among breast cancer survivors,’ that forty-six percent ( 46%) of the 39 sampled women felt that their language difference/accent as well as race determined the  quality of health care they received. Evidence of disrespect surfaced from providers due to their income level, skin color, immigration status and inability to articulate English language. Even though the discrimination occurred more frequently in the primary care level ultimately, breast cancer patients became affected. In concluding the study these researchers identified that,  health care discrimination was closely associated  to ethnic identity and early-stage breast cancer(Campesino, Saenz & Choi, 2012).

Further studies conducted byAhmed & Shahid (2012 confirmed disparity regarding cancer treatment in Canada. These two researchers contend that Canada is facing a crisis pertaining to cancer treatment despite immense advancements in cancer therapies and research. They predict that cancer diagnoses are increasing and disparities are widening. These are the elements predisposing the crisis, which Canada now faces. Disparities were identified as occurring among groups with a low socioeconomic status and persons deemed minorities within society such as Aboriginals(Ahmed & Shahid, 2012).

These researcher also advance that health disparities are created by society as any other social inequality.  They identified four main ways in which they are created by  thesocio-political structure. Social stratification,undue exposure to risks, vulnerabilities and consequences such healthcare access inadequacies, were the four cited. Inequities in cancer care was cited as taking place at all three levels of care namely, primary, secondary and ternary. Public health scientists in 1996-11998 presented data showing where the Aboriginal population increased by 45%, whereas non- Aboriginals grew by 8%. The contention is that aboriginals live on reserves and do not believe in scientific medicine.Therefore, they have placed themselves at a disparity (Ahmed & Shahid, 2012).

If this is true immigrants and undocumented people have placed themselves in jeopardy regarding health care access in Canada. All minorities have suffered from structured inequalities designed by the political administration. Politicians, and not social administration determine who gets access to quality treatment and who don’t. Aboriginals are a neglected group in every nation on earth. This is not only in healthcare, but every aspect of their social participation, education, and politics among many other levels of interaction. The excuse is that they are difficult to reach(Macklem, 2001)

Conclusions

In concluding this essay it is clear that the issues pertaining to breast cancer treatments of Canadian  Aboriginal women is not an isolated case. Health care is the foundation element creating disparities in cancer treatment. Consistently, researchers have identified Aboriginals’ status, income and disrespect for their cultural identity as being major reasons for inadequate breast cancer treatment. Therefore, suggestions are that disparities could be reduced or eliminated if politicians close social gaps among groups of people. This has been a century long proposal, which has not borne much fruit(Macklem, 2001).

Further arguments posed for closing disparities focus on social determinants of health being correctly identified and honest measures taken to reduce divisions. Many consist of whether the person can pay for his/her care. In Canada health care is relatively free, but cancer treatment could become costly. Aboriginals’ cannot pay for such care. Also, the health care resources available may not cover the type of treatment prescribed for the breast cancer patients. Importantly, Aboriginal women with breast cancer must become visible and represented for prompt treatment. Their experinces must be recognized from a cultural paradigm (Frohlich et.al, 2006).

 References

Ahmed, S., & Shahid, R. (2012).Disparity in Cancer Care: A Canadian Perspective. Curr Oncol.19 (6);e376-e382

Campesino, M. Saenz, D., & Choi, M. (2012).Perceived discrimination and ethnic identity Among breast cancer survivors.Oncol Nurs Forum.  39(2):E91-100 (ISSN: 1538-0688)

Frohlich KL1, Ross N, Richmond C. (2006).Health disparities in Canada today: some evidence And a theoretical framework.Health Policy. 79(2-3):132-43

Macklem, P. (2001). Indigenous difference and the Constitution of Canada. University of Toronto Press

Poudrier, J., &Thomas Mac-Lean, R. (2008).We’ve fallen into the cracks’: Aboriginal women’s Experiences with breast cancer through photovoice.Nursing Inquiry16(4): 306–317