Cancer and cardiovascular health inequities in prison settings: a rapid literature review

Overview

This report describes a rapid review to assess inequities in cancer and cardiovascular disease care in prisons. Most of the evidence identified focused on cancer, with cervical cancer the most commonly studied disease. The evidence showed lower cancer screening rates in prison populations than in non-prison populations. People spending any time in prison present at a later stage for all cancer types and for preventable diseases. The main findings suggest that prison health screening programmes can improve health and reduce costs for health systems. Health education programmes in prison can improve screening rates and health literacy among those on low incomes and the fewest years of education. Investments made in health education have the potential to improve cardiovascular health. Gaps in the evidence, notably related to cardiovascular disease, suggest that additional research is needed on health inequities in prisons.

Russian version:  Экспресс-обзор литературы о неравенстве в лечении рака и сердечно- сосудистых заболеваний в местах лишения свободы