A Scoping Review of Surgical Care for People Experiencing Homelessness With Cancer

Journal of Surgical Oncology 2026

View at publisher
Authors: Harris H. Allen, Wendy Feng, Caroline B. Falker, Alexandria L. Brackett, Cynthia Brandt, Victor Agbafe, Edwin Allen, Amrita Bagga, Jayson Esdaille, Vikram B Reddy, Anne K. Mongiu, Nikki Macero
+3 more Haddon Pantel, Melissa F. Perkal, Shilpa Shree Murthy
DOI: 10.1002/jso.70207
Cited by: 0
References: 40

Abstract

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) face significant barriers to surgical care. This scoping review identified 26 studies describing cancer surgery in PEH. Major themes that emerged for PEH were poor access to surgical specialists, advanced stage at cancer presentation, worse surgical outcomes compared to housed cancer patients, and loss to follow-up care. Although some studies proposed strategies like housing support and improved care coordination, few evaluated targeted interventions. These findings highlight a critical gap in oncologic surgical care for PEH and emphasize the need for targeted research and policy initiatives.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Homelessness and Social Issues COVID-19 and healthcare impacts Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Surgical Oncology
Volume
133
Issue
5
Pages
689–697
Publication date
11 February 2026
Language
EN