We love to tell cancer patients that their health is entirely in their hands. Eat better. Exercise more. Reduce stress.
But as a cancer epidemiologist, I’m here to tell you that this traditional public health framework is fundamentally flawed.
We blame a patient's diet, but ignore local food deserts and SNAP limitations. We tell people to exercise, but ignore unsafe neighborhoods or rural gym deserts. Involuntary exposures and systemic barriers aren't "lifestyle choices."
It’s time to stop hyper-focusing on individual blame and start disrupting the structures that limit people's choices in the first place.
Both episodes of The Epi Edit are streaming now. Catch up on your weekend commute.
🔗 Link in bio to watch or listen.
#ChangedByCancer #TheEpiEdit #PublicHealth #PatientBlame #HealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #Epidemiology #CancerCommunity #HealthcareReform #RealTalk
