Social vulnerability using the example of cancer treatment: Should living conditions be taken into account when deciding on treatment?

Abstract

Definition of the problem: Patients’ living conditions can become barriers to the implementation of a desired therapy—for example, cancer therapy—and jeopardize its success. Methods: This paper examines whether challenging living conditions should be systematically considered in treatment decisions. For this purpose, the Capabilities Approach according to Martha Nussbaum is used. Subsequently, suggestions are formulated on the basis of Florencia Luna’s concept of layers as to how social vulnerabilities can be better included into practice. Conclusion: There is an ethical obligation to include the knowledge of challenging living conditions in treatment decisions. If necessary, patients should be offered support in order to enable them to access the therapy they have chosen. Living conditions that can have an impeding effect on adherence can be understood as layers of social vulnerability.