Moon Chen on Disparities in Cancer Care

Moon S. Chen Jr, PhD, MPH, associate director, Population Research and Cancer Disparities, professor, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses various disparities in cancer care in underserved populations.

Language can cause problems in proper cancer care, Chen says. However, other barriers that exist include knowledge level as well as cultural factors that may influence acceptability or non-acceptability. While evaluating these barriers, physicians determine the stage of readiness for patients to undergo cancer care.

Chen explains that physicians also evaluate whether or not patients are aware of their condition and if they have thought about possible solutions and actions to take. It is also essential for patients to have social support available, Chen adds.