Disparities in Thoracic Oncology Patients

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide despite breakthroughs in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. These advances have not been evenly spread, and discrepancies between populations remain concerning. This article examines lung cancer discrepancies in epidemiology, risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment access and quality, and survival outcomes, and identifies the main causes. Methods: An extensive narrative evaluation of peer-reviewed literature, national cancer surveillance reports, and large population-based research was searched. The evidence on lung cancer disparities by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sex, geography, and healthcare access was synthesized. Disparities in prevention, early identification, treatment, and outcomes were organized into this paper. Results: Lung cancer incidence, stage, treatment, and survival showed persistent differences. Racial and ethnic minority groups, people on low-incomes, uninsured people, and rural or resource-limited people had higher disease burden and worse outcomes. Access to low-dose computed tomography screening, rapid diagnostic follow-up, surgical resection, molecular testing, targeted medicines, immunotherapy, palliative care, and clinical trials was unequal. When guidelines are followed, survival outcomes are similar across races and ethnicities. Conclusions: Lung cancer disparities are mostly caused by structural, social, and healthcare system factors, not biology. Coordinated measures to provide equitable screening, prompt and high-quality treatment, research inclusion, and culturally sensitive and policy-driven actions are needed to enhance lung cancer outcomes.