Bringing a Spotlight to the Influences of Social Determinants of Health

It is my distinct honor as President Elect for the American Association of Cancer Education (AACE) to write this editorial that highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health (SDH) in cancer education research and practice, and to invite you to our upcoming conference. The 2020 International Cancer Education Conference (ICEC), held October 14–16, 2020, in College Park, MD, USA, centers on: “Using Cancer Education to Address Social Determinants of Health”. The conference, organized in partnership with three leading organizations: the AACE, the Cancer Patient Education Network, and European Association of Cancer Education, brings together multidisciplinary professionals to share transdisciplinary cancer education research, policy, and practice innovations across the cancer care continuum. Your participation in this meeting will further generate new ideas that consider “context” and transcend beyond individual factors in cancer prevention, early detection and diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end of life.

So what are social determinants of health and why should cancer education professionals care about them? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines social determinants of health as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels. Social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities - the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries.” This powerful definition, widely supported by leading health organizations worldwide, outlines a lofty mandate for all engaged in the health care of individuals, families, and populations. As such, the impact for the field of cancer education is significant. All involved must proactively collaborate and exchange ideas to escalate our impact.

The full editorial can be downloaded below.