The Role of Trauma in Disparities for Cancer-Related Health: A Call to Action

Authors

Megan Bair-Merritt, Boston University School of MedicineFollow

Keywords

cancer; trauma

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Public Health | Women's Health

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. In this brief report, we describe the current literature on interpersonal trauma (i.e., sexual abuse and intimate partner violence) and cancer. Concordant with the general population, between 20% and 50% of cancer patients have experienced interpersonal trauma. Experiences with interpersonal trauma not only appear to increase risk for developing cancer, but may also act as a roadblock to accessing appropriate preventive testing and to receiving adequate support during cancer care. Healthcare providers can play an important role in making cancer-related care more trauma-informed.

Recommended Citation

Bair-Merritt, Megan (2014) "The Role of Trauma in Disparities for Cancer-Related Health: A Call to Action," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 8: Iss. 4, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol8/iss4/3