The study “Social inequalities in cancer in Germany: a call to action”, published in the *Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology*, highlights the significance of social inequalities throughout the entire cancer journey in Germany. The paper shows that a lower socio-economic status is associated with increased risk factors, lower uptake of screening, later diagnosis and poorer survival rates.

The findings are based on a synthesis of existing scientific evidence, such as studies using data from cancer registries, health insurance funds, cohort studies and population-based health surveys, as well as the assessments of over 30 experts in cancer epidemiology and inequality research. This reveals significant data gaps and structural challenges that hinder comprehensive analysis and targeted measures. 

The authors therefore call for improved data availability, greater consideration of equity in health policy, and more targeted interventions for vulnerable groups to reduce avoidable inequalities in cancer care.

The article is freely available as an open-access publication (link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-026-06438-4).