204 Ethnic inequities in cancer rehabilitation: (health) care professionals’ experiences of assessing and addressing rehabilitation needs of ethnically minoritized cancer patients in Denmark

PTH 7: Health Policy and Health Services 2, B308 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 11:30 - 12:24 Aim Many cancer patients experience a need for rehabilitation, such as psychosocial support. In Denmark, however, there are ethnic inequities in referrals to and participation in cancer rehabilitation. Similar inequities have been observed in other countries, highlighting the global relevance of addressing these issues. This study investigates potential barriers for referral to and participation in cancer rehabilitation for ethnically minoritized cancer patients in Denmark, including prospects for more inclusive cancer rehabilitation. Methods The qualitative study is based on twelve individual interviews (seven with healthcare professionals that assess rehabilitation needs and make referrals as well as five with professionals that facilitate rehabilitation services). The theoretical concepts ‘candidacy’ and ‘affective economies’ were used in the thematic analysis, focusing on how (healthcare) professionals assess and accommodate potential rehabilitation needs among ethnically minoritized cancer patients. Results Three themes dominated the informants’ experiences. Firstly, organizational restrictions were experienced in relation to the use of interpreters and fragmented coordination, keeping professionals from assessing and referring patients. A second, closely entangled theme was affective intensities in the sense of certain stereotypical emotions sticking to the ‘ethnic minority’ patients which kept professionals from referring to rehabilitation. The third theme, acts of resistance reflected how professionals acted against organizational restriction and the affective economy, creating opportunities for access to cancer rehabilitation. Conclusions The findings point to structural barriers for ethnic inequity in cancer rehabilitation. However, the professionals’ willingness and abilities to act against these barriers suggest the potential for organizing improved access to inclusive and non-discriminatory cancer rehabilitation.