Cancer Disparities among Pacific Islanders: A Review of Sociocultural Determinants of Health in the Micronesian Region

It is well appreciated that the social determinants of health are intimately related with health outcomes. However, there is a paucity of literature that explores these themes comprehensively for the indigenous people within Micronesia. Certain Micronesia-specific factors, such as transitions from t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cancers 2023-02, Vol.15 (5), p.1392
Main Authors: Pineda, Eric, Benavente, Ryan, Gimmen, Megan Y, DeVille, Nicole V, Taparra, Kekoa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Cancer
Chronic illnesses
Climate change
Diagnosis
Diet
Economic aspects
Health aspects
Indigenous peoples
International relations
Malignancy
Medical prognosis
Nutrition research
Oceanians
Pacific Islander people
Qualitative research
Radiation
Review
Social aspects
Weapons testing
World War I
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Summary:It is well appreciated that the social determinants of health are intimately related with health outcomes. However, there is a paucity of literature that explores these themes comprehensively for the indigenous people within Micronesia. Certain Micronesia-specific factors, such as transitions from traditional diets, the consumption of betel nut, and exposure to radiation from the nuclear bomb testing in the Marshall Islands, have predisposed certain Micronesian populations to an increased risk of developing a variety of malignancies. Furthermore, severe weather events and rising sea levels attributed to climate change threaten to compromise cancer care resources and displace entire Micronesian populations. The consequences of these risks are expected to increase the strain on the already challenged, disjointed, and burdened healthcare infrastructure in Micronesia, likely leading to more expenses in off-island referrals. A general shortage of Pacific Islander physicians within the workforce reduces the number of patients that can be seen, as well as the quality of culturally competent care that is delivered. In this narrative review, we comprehensively underscore the health disparities and cancer inequities faced by the underserved communities within Micronesia.
ISSN:2072-6694
2072-6694
DOI:10.3390/cancers15051392