Abstract A149: Scoping review: Utilization of social determinants of health screening and intervention in oncology

Abstract

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with greater cancer incidence, burden, and mortality. Despite advances in cancer care, disparities related to SDOH persist, with previous studies reporting that as many as 75.1% of cancer survivors experience at least one unfavorable social determinant. Recognizing their impact, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) emphasized the need for standardized efforts to address SDOH in its 2024 policy statement, highlighting routine screening as a key strategy to identify patients who may benefit from additional support. However, the extent of SDOH screening implementation in oncology care remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to characterize current utilization of SDOH screening and intervention in oncology care. We performed a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A search of published studies was conducted in Embase (Elsevier), MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Database-controlled vocabulary and keyword searching in title, abstract, and keyword fields was used. Included studies looked at social determinant/social needs/social risk screening in adult cancer populations. Of 10,524 identified studies, 7,667 remained after duplicate removal and were screened by 3 independent reviewers, with 16 studies meeting inclusion criteria for full-text review. SDOH screening was found to be implemented across multiple settings and demonstrated substantial heterogeneity in screening tools, timing, and target populations. Economic stability and social/community context were the most assessed domains. Breast cancer was the most studied cancer type (n = 6, 35.3%), followed by head and neck (n = 5, 29.4%), thoracic (n = 4, 23.5%), and gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary (n = 4, 23.5%). Although most studies reported screening was feasible and acceptable, implementation was limited by workflow integration and difficulties coordinating follow-up for identified social needs. Many studies found that screening identified unmet social needs and informed patient navigation or supportive care interventions, but standardized implementation remains limited. Studies consistently demonstrated high prevalence of unmet social needs and identified associations between social determinants and delays in diagnosis/treatment, poorer quality of life, reduced access to cancer care, and worse clinical outcomes. Assessment of social determinants and social needs represents an important opportunity to identify patients at risk for disparities in cancer care. However, current screening practices lack standardization with high variation in screening tools. Standardizing SDOH screening while ensuring access to navigation and support services may allow earlier identification of unmet needs and promote more equitable oncology care. Future research should focus on implementation of SDOH screening and evaluate whether standardized screening programs improve the utilization of healthcare, delivery of treatment, quality of life, and long-term oncologic outcomes. Jackie Shi, Kelly Atherton, Hudson Tate, Emma O'Hagan, Anne Kane. Scoping review: Utilization of social determinants of health screening and intervention in oncology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 19th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2026 Oct 18-21; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2026;35(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A149.