Cancer, one of the most feared diseases of the 21st century, does not affect everyone equally. Although it is commonly believed that genetics is the main risk factor, recent studies reveal that socioeconomic status has a greater influence on the evolution and mortality of this disease. In Spain, Thousands of people lack a fixed residence, which makes it difficult for them to access essential health services, such as cancer screening programmes.
These programs, designed to detect breast, colorectal and cervical cancer in time, begin with a letter sent to the homes of eligible people. For homeless people, this simple barrier becomes a death trap. According to studies, one in three deaths among people in situations of social exclusion is caused by diseases that could have been treated if they had received medical attention in time. Cancer, in particular, is the second most common cause of death among this population, with a mortality rate twice that of the general population in high-income countries.
The European Cancerless project has brought this problem to light. With the aim of removing barriers to the healthcare system for people experiencing homelessness, Cancerless implemented an innovative intervention: “health navigators”. Over 18 months, this pilot project in Spain, Austria, Greece and the United Kingdom served 500 homeless people. The initiative facilitated access to cancer screening and other healthcare services, while also promoting greater health awareness in this vulnerable population.
The results are encouraging, but they invite reflection.: It is urgent to transform our health system to make it truly inclusive. Only with a people-centred approach, adapted to the realities of those who need it most, will it be possible to reduce mortality from treatable diseases such as cancer.
