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 factors 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 factors 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 and the policy implications of these approaches.
- 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 dis-