Event Report: Combatting Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare – A Case Study of Prostate and Breast Cancer – epha.org

Report on Addressing Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Care: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

Overview

On 9 April, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) co-hosted a webinar examining persistent ethnic disparities in healthcare, with cancer care serving as a case study. The event focused on prostate and breast cancer and convened researchers, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers to identify structural barriers to care and access. Discussions centered on evidence-based actions to promote equity in prevention, research, and care. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, reflecting ongoing efforts by EPHA and ECO to advance intersectional and anti-discriminatory health policies across Europe.

Key Highlights

1. Disparities in Incidence and Diagnosis

Research presented highlighted significant variations in cancer incidence and diagnosis patterns among ethnic groups. Black men exhibit a higher incidence and risk of prostate cancer, whereas ethnic minority women generally show lower breast cancer incidence rates compared to white women, with notable differences among subgroups and age ranges. These disparities, coupled with delayed diagnoses, underscore the necessity for disaggregated data and targeted interventions, supporting SDG 3 and SDG 10 by promoting equitable health outcomes.

2. Barriers to Participation in Screening and Research

Several barriers limit screening uptake and research participation among ethnic minorities, including cultural stigma, lack of privacy, mistrust of healthcare systems, and structural access challenges. The PROFILE study presented successful community-based outreach strategies such as co-designed awareness materials, targeted messaging, and trust-building initiatives. These efforts contribute to SDG 3 by enhancing access to quality healthcare services.

3. Importance of Representation and Co-Creation

Panelists emphasized the critical role of inclusive research design, increased diversity within the health workforce, and meaningful engagement of minority communities in health policy and decision-making. Community champions and culturally competent communication were identified as essential enablers of engagement and trust, aligning with SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10 by fostering inclusive participation and reducing inequalities.

4. The Role of Data and Policy

The absence of harmonized and disaggregated ethnicity data remains a significant barrier to advancing health equity. The EU Anti-Racism Coordinator reaffirmed the European Commission’s commitment to strengthening anti-discrimination measures, improving data collection, and mainstreaming equity across EU policies and funding programs. These actions support SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by promoting transparent, inclusive governance and collaboration.

5. Shared Responsibility

While health policy is primarily a national competence, panelists agreed that advancing equity requires shared responsibility among governments, public institutions, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities. This collective approach is essential to building equitable health systems, consistent with SDG 17’s emphasis on partnerships and cooperation.

Conclusion

The webinar provided a critical platform to reflect on systemic exclusion and policy gaps contributing to ethnic disparities in cancer care. The solutions discussed—including inclusive research design, improved data practices, culturally tailored outreach, and trust-building—are well-established and feasible. The primary challenge lies in their widespread, equitable, and sustainable implementation, directly supporting SDG 3 and SDG 10.

Insights from the session will inform the ongoing work of EPHA’s Health Equity Cluster and DisQo Stakeholder Network, as well as ECO’s Inequalities Network, to shape equitable cancer policies and practices. Furthermore, these contributions will enhance advocacy efforts and recommendations for the EU Anti-Racism Strategy, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and related policy frameworks, reinforcing commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on cancer care disparities, prevention, and equitable access to healthcare services.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Addressing ethnic disparities in healthcare and promoting equity aligns with reducing inequalities within and among countries.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Focus on breast cancer and the inclusion of ethnic minority women highlights gender-related health equity issues.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Efforts to strengthen anti-discrimination measures and mainstream equity in policies relate to building inclusive institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment (cancer focus).
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services.
2. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of ethnicity.
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through anti-discrimination policies.
3. SDG 5 Targets
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights (implied through breast cancer focus).
4. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health Disparities and Incidence Data
   • Incidence rates of prostate and breast cancer disaggregated by ethnicity and age groups.
   • Rates of delayed diagnosis among ethnic minority groups.
2. Screening and Research Participation
   • Screening uptake rates among different ethnic groups.
   • Participation rates of ethnic minorities in cancer research studies.
3. Representation and Workforce Diversity
   • Proportion of minority representation in health workforce and research teams.
   • Engagement levels of minority communities in health policy decision-making.
4. Data Collection and Anti-Discrimination Measures
   • Availability and quality of harmonised, disaggregated ethnicity data in health systems.
   • Implementation status of anti-discrimination policies and equity mainstreaming in EU policies.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: epha.org