Overcoming a Changing Cancer Landscape: Pharmacists’ Opportunity to Promote Equitable Cancer Care
by Owen Petrich, 2028 PharmD Candidate, John Vetterli, 2028 PharmD Candidate, Dawson Slusser, 2028 PharmD Candidate, Sam Schauer, PharmD, BCOP, Jason Bergsbaken, PharmD, MBA, BCOP
Abstract:
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death among people under 85 years old, and incidence rates have steadily climbed over recent years. Several factors, including new screening initiatives and novel treatment regimens, have improved the prognosis for some cancer patients, leading to higher survival rates and lower burden of disease; however, with these new initiatives come higher costs and increased complexity of care. Health disparities are already present in rural and low-income patients, leading to lower adherence to treatment, limited access to care, and increased risk of financial toxicity. This is reflected in the higher cancer mortality rates of rural and low-income population groups compared to their urban and high-income counterparts. Valid concerns exist that these disparities will be exacerbated as cancer prevention, screening, and treatment continue to become increasingly expensive and complex. Pharmacists across multiple settings are poised to take advantage of a unique opportunity to address these disparities in care by supporting patient adherence, providing care through telehealth services, providing patient education, and participating in cost-saving initiatives.
Download PDF
2026 July/August Table of Contents
Abstract:
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death among people under 85 years old, and incidence rates have steadily climbed over recent years. Several factors, including new screening initiatives and novel treatment regimens, have improved the prognosis for some cancer patients, leading to higher survival rates and lower burden of disease; however, with these new initiatives come higher costs and increased complexity of care. Health disparities are already present in rural and low-income patients, leading to lower adherence to treatment, limited access to care, and increased risk of financial toxicity. This is reflected in the higher cancer mortality rates of rural and low-income population groups compared to their urban and high-income counterparts. Valid concerns exist that these disparities will be exacerbated as cancer prevention, screening, and treatment continue to become increasingly expensive and complex. Pharmacists across multiple settings are poised to take advantage of a unique opportunity to address these disparities in care by supporting patient adherence, providing care through telehealth services, providing patient education, and participating in cost-saving initiatives.
Download PDF
2026 July/August Table of Contents