Overview
On 9 April, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) and the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) co-hosted a webinar, exploring persistent ethnic disparities in healthcare, using cancer care as a case study. With a focus on prostate and breast cancer, it brought together researchers, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers to identify structural barriers in care and access, and discussed evidence-based actions that promote equity in prevention, research, and care. The event forms part of ongoing efforts by EPHA and ECO to drive intersectional and anti-discriminatory health policies across Europe.
Key Highlights
- Disparities in Incidence and Diagnosis:
Research presented during the webinar demonstrated that cancer incidence and diagnosis patterns vary significantly across ethnic groups. For example, Black men face a higher incidence and risk of prostate cancer, while ethnic minority women generally experience lower breast cancer incidence rates compared to white women – though important differences exist between subgroups and across age ranges. These disparities, combined with delayed diagnoses, highlight the need for disaggregated data and targeted interventions.
- Barriers to Participation in Screening and Research:
Cultural stigma, lack of privacy, mistrust of healthcare systems, and structural access issues continue to limit screening uptake and research participation. Presenters from the PROFILE study shared successful examples of community-based outreach, including co-designed awareness materials, targeted messaging, and trust-building initiatives.
- Importance of Representation and Co-Creation:
Panellists emphasised the importance of inclusive research design, greater diversity within the health workforce, and the meaningful engagement of minority communities in health policy and decision-making processes. Community champions and culturally competent communication were identified as key enablers of engagement and trust.
- The Role of Data and Policy:
The lack of harmonised and disaggregated ethnicity data remains a critical obstacle to advancing equity. The EU Anti-Racism Coordinator reiterated the Commission’s efforts to strengthen anti-discrimination measures, promote better data collection, and mainstream equity across EU policies and funding programmes.
- Shared Responsibility:
While health is primarily a national competence, panellists agreed that advancing equity requires shared responsibility. Governments must lead, but public institutions, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities all play essential roles in creating equitable systems.
Conclusion
This webinar provided a timely platform to reflect on the persistent ethnic disparities in cancer care as a result of systemic exclusion and policy gaps. As speakers and panellists affirmed, the solutions are neither unknown nor unattainable. From inclusive research design and improved data practices to culturally tailored outreach and trust-building, the knowledge and tools to address them already exist. The challenge is ensuring they are implemented widely, equitably, and sustainably.
The insights shared during the session will contribute to the ongoing work of EPHA’s Health Equity Cluster and DisQo Stakeholder Network, and ECO’s Inequalities Network to shape equitable cancer policies and practice. They will also contribute to broader advocacy effort and recommendations for the EU Anti-Racism Strategy, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and related policy frameworks.