Cancer disparities are persistently a significant public health burden worldwide and disproportionately impact the underserved populations. To effectively combat cancer disparities, a clear understanding of their causes and patterns is essential. Currently, government data and peer-reviewed research journals display a wide range of data to describe the extent of different cancer disparities. However, there are still gaps in understanding the scope and patterns of these disparities and in adopting practical approaches to eliminate them adequately. Accordingly, we examine essential topics that are crucial to a coherent comprehension of the causes and patterns of major cancer disparities. The complex relationship between the different determinants of health inequalities creates unique patterns of disparities for different cancer forms and populations. Addressing these disparities will require diverse research approaches with rigorous frameworks from multiple disciplines. This review takes an in-depth study into cancer disparity patterns to inform effective intervention strategies for underserved populations. We present a comprehensive analysis of disparities in breast, colorectal, lung, prostate and cervical cancers. We analysed the interplay between genetic, socioeconomic, geographic, behavioural and environmental factors that shape cancer outcomes. Drawing inferences from recent studies on cancer epidemiology and intervention programs, this review highlights how underserved populations are disproportionately affected due to systemic barriers to early diagnosis, effective treatment, screening access and health literacy. Disparity patterns in incidence, mortality and survival rates were comprehensively described using recent studies, while also evaluating community-based interventions and policy efforts intended to address these disparities and mitigate their impacts.