Study Finds Higher Cancer Mortality in Redlined US Neighborhoods Linked to Discriminatory Housing Policies

A recent study has uncovered a troubling connection between decades-old housing policies and the higher death rates from cancer in certain US neighborhoods.

This research suggests that the legacy of redlining, a discriminatory practice that began in the early 20th century, could still be impacting cancer survival rates today, particularly for younger populations.

What Is Redlining and How Does It Relate to Cancer Survival?

Redlining, a practice started by the US government-backed Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1920s and 1930s, involved designating certain neighborhoods as undesirable based on their ethnic demographics.

These areas, often predominantly Black or Hispanic, were marked as risky for investment, which meant residents in these zones struggled to access mortgages, healthcare, and other vital resources.

Over time, this led to significant disparities in health outcomes, including a higher risk of cancer and premature death.

In a recent study led by Dr. Kristine Karvonen, researchers at the University of Washington examined cancer survival rates in Washington state, focusing on individuals under 40 diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2019.

The study specifically compared the survival outcomes of those living in redlined areas with those from neighborhoods that were not subject to redlining.

Study Results: A Stark Difference in Cancer Survival Rates

The findings were striking. People living in areas that had been redlined were found to have a 32% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to those residing in non-redlined neighborhoods.

For example, while 90% of people in non-redlined areas survived for at least five years after a cancer diagnosis, only 85% of those in redlined areas managed to do the same.

The gap widened further for the 10-year survival rate, with 81% of people in redlined areas surviving, compared to 88% in other areas.

These results are concerning, especially when considering that factors like cancer stage and sex were accounted for in the study.

This suggests that redlining’s impact goes beyond just financial disparities, extending into public health outcomes that continue to affect marginalized communities today.

The Role of Racism in Cancer Outcomes

Dr. Karvonen, who led the study, pointed to the role of racism in driving these disparities.

The study argues that systemic racism, which historically prevented non-white people from accessing financial resources, has directly contributed to the poorer health outcomes seen in redlined communities.

The lack of investment in these neighborhoods not only impacted access to homeownership but also led to fewer hospitals and healthcare facilities, further exacerbating health issues.

In addition to these systemic barriers, the study found that cancer was often diagnosed later in redlined areas.

People living in these communities were less likely to have their cancer detected at an early stage.

In fact, a higher percentage of patients in redlined areas were diagnosed at stage 4, the most advanced stage, which is much harder to treat and is associated with a higher death rate.

How Redlining Continues to Affect Young Cancer Patients

This study is particularly significant because it sheds light on how redlining continues to affect young cancer patients, an area that had been largely overlooked in previous research.

The data analyzed in this study included 4,355 people under 40, with 411 of them being children aged 17 and younger.

The most common types of cancer among these young patients were melanoma, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer, with blood cancers and other cancers also included in the study.

Interestingly, the research found that cancers were less likely to be detected early in redlined areas, which could be due to limited access to healthcare or a lack of health insurance.

This delay in diagnosis contributes to more advanced cancer stages when patients finally seek treatment, leading to worse outcomes.

The Bigger Picture: Socioeconomic Consequences of Redlining

The study’s findings are consistent with previous research, which has shown that adults living in redlined districts have a higher risk of developing and dying from cancer.

In addition to health risks, these neighborhoods also face long-standing socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and limited access to essential services.

While the Fair Housing Act of 1968 outlawed racially discriminatory lending practices, the effects of redlining continue to reverberate through these communities.

For young cancer patients, the combination of historical racism, poor healthcare access, and financial disadvantages creates a toxic environment that severely impacts their chances of survival.

A Call for Change and Greater Awareness

Dr. Karvonen and her team hope that their research will raise awareness about the long-lasting effects of redlining, especially on young cancer patients.

By understanding the historical and ongoing impacts of this practice, there may be a path forward to address these health disparities and improve cancer outcomes in marginalized communities.

In addition to better healthcare access, the study calls for a broader societal shift to address the roots of these inequalities.

As we continue to examine the connections between housing policies and health, it’s clear that much work remains to be done to break the cycle of injustice and ensure a healthier future for all communities.