Identifying and mitigating the biological effectors of the social determinants of health in cancer.

Abstract

Recognizing the interconnectedness between social determinants of health (SDOH) and biological factors associated with cancer, the research community is working to identify and refine biological markers of SDOH that can help us better understand this complex interaction. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop with the intent of exploring this interaction and how these factors affect cancer onset and cancer-related health outcomes.1 Workshop presentations and discussions provided an overview of biological effectors and SDOH; emerging research in these areas, including the development and validation of biomarkers and strategies to improve the evidence base for monitoring, diagnosing, policy, research, and clinical practice opportunities to improve health and address the impact of SDOH on cancer risk, diagnosis, and outcomes.