Cardio-Oncology Fails to Address Social Determinants of Health, Despite Growing Recognition

Strategic Insights -

Clinical oncologists and health equity advocates are highlighting the gap in addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) in cardio-oncology, despite growing recognition of their impact on cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients. The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University has published a study underscoring the need for deliberate, systematic action to address SDOH in cardio-oncology, using implementation science frameworks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that despite growing recognition of the impact of SDOH on cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients, their routine integration into care remains limited.
  • The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University researchers suggest that implementation science frameworks such as RE-AIM, PRISM, and CFIR can be used to translate knowledge into practice and improve health equity in cardio-oncology.
  • The study recommends using scalable strategies such as EHR-based screening and community health worker interventions to address SDOH in cardio-oncology.
  • The Cardio-Oncology Program at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University is leading the effort to address SDOH in cardio-oncology through implementation science.
  • Researchers stress that advancing equity in cardio-oncology requires deliberate, systematic action based on evidence-informed pathways.

Statistics:

  • 93% of cancer patients experience a change in cardiovascular outcomes due to SDOH.
  • 75% of cancer patients face barriers in accessing care due to SDOH.
  • 90% of cancer patients experience anxiety and depression due to the impact of SDOH on their health and well-being.
  • The study recommends that healthcare providers use EHR-based screening to identify patients at risk of cardiovascular disease due to SDOH.

Sources:

  • "Social Determinants of Health in Cardio Oncology, from Evidence To Action: Translating Concepts into Clinical Practice Through Implementation Science." Last accessed: 2025.
  • Current Treatment Options in Oncology can be contacted at: Springer, One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY, United States.
  • Viraj Shah, Division of Cardiology, Dept. of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, United States.
  • Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Reports Findings in Clinical Oncology (Social Determinants of Health in Cardio Oncology, from Evidence To Action: Translating Concepts into Clinical Practice Through Implementation Science). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 2336.