A STUDY ON THE ROLE OF SOCIOECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL FACTORS IN CANCER PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES.

Cancer comprises a broad group of diseases characterised by uncontrolled cell growth with the potential to invade surrounding tissues and metastasise to distant organs, making it a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Globally, cancer accounts for approximately 9.6 million deaths annually, ranking as the second leading cause of death. This study aims to explore and analyse the impact of socioeconomic and educational factors on cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment acceptance, and overall patient outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to cancer patients, capturing demographic variables such as age, gender, education level, income, employment status, and access to healthcare, along with information on prevention practices, diagnostic experiences, treatment acceptance, and clinical outcomes. The questionnaire also assessed health literacy, participation in screening programs, lifestyle modifications, willingness to undergo various treatment modalities, recovery time, survival, and quality of life. The findings underscore that individuals from lower socioeconomic and educational backgrounds experience significant barriers, including limited healthcare access, poor health awareness, delayed diagnosis, and reduced acceptance of standard treatments, leading to poorer outcomes. The study emphasises the necessity of targeted public health interventions, enhanced health education, and policy reforms to mitigate disparities and to improve cancer outcomes among vulnerable populations.