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Biological Effectors of Social Determinants of Health in Cancer: Identification and Mitigation: A Workshop

Completed

On March 20 and 21, 2024, a planning committee appointed by the National Academies of Sciences, will examine the biological effectors of social determinants of health (SDOH) in cancer and consider how the interaction of these two influences cancer risk, treatment outcomes, and health equity.

Description

A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine planning committee will plan and host a 1.5-day public workshop that will examine the biological effectors of social determinants of health (SDOH) in cancer and consider how the interaction of these two influences cancer risk, treatment outcomes, and health equity. The workshop will feature invited presentations and panel discussions on topics that may include:

  • Examples of biological effectors that could mediate the effects of SDOH, such as responses to chronic stress that affect immune function and inflammation, and their impact on cancer risk and outcomes.
  • Emerging data on epigenetic changes stemming from social disadvantages and environmental stressors across the life course that may increase risk of cancer and poor outcomes.
  • Opportunities to effectively measure and validate biomarkers for the impact of biological effectors of SDOH on cancer risk and outcomes.
  • Linkages between biological impacts of SDOH and policy factors that influence health outcomes, such as access to health insurance coverage.
  • Existing and emerging interventions to mitigate the biological effects of SDOH.
  • Research gaps and opportunities for interdisciplinary approaches to identify and mitigate biological effectors of SDOH in cancer.

The planning committee will develop the agenda for the workshop sessions, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. A proceedings of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.

Collaborators

Sponsors

American Association for Cancer Research

American Cancer Society

American College of Radiology

American Society of Clinical Oncology

Association of American Cancer Institutes

Association of Community Cancer Centers

Bristol Myers Squibb

Cancer Support Community

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Flatiron Health

Merck

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

National Patient Advocate Foundation

Novartis Oncology

Oncology Nursing Society

Partners In Health

Pfizer Inc.

Sanofi

Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer

Staff

Erin Balogh

Lead

Chidinma J. Chukwurah

Jennifer Zhu

Anna Adler

Emma Wickland

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