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A topical collection in Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This collection belongs to the section "Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life".

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Editors

Dr. Kekoa Taparra

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Guest Editor

Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, 875 Blake Wilbur Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
Interests: native Hawaiian and other pacific islander health; data disaggregation; breast cancer

Dr. Manali I. Patel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Medical Oncology, Stanford University, 3150 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94306 USA
Interests: community-based participatory research; clinical trials to address cancer health disparities; value-based cancer care delivery

Prof. Dr. Scarlett Lin Gomez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
2. Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
Interests: structural and social determinants of health; Asian American health; data disaggregation; neighborhood environment

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Significant progress has been made in the identification of cancer health disparities in the United States, and areas for improvement, particularly among Black and Hispanic populations. In this Special Issue of Cancers, we aim to highlight advances in research that sheds light on overlooked cancer health disparities or demonstrates solutions to overcoming these challenges to equitable cancer care. We are pleased to invite you to submit your unpublished research on your field of cancer disparities. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. The issue will highlight novel research focused on underappreciated cancer disparities among populations from racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender, or age (pediatric, AYA, elderly) minority populations, as well as those disproportionately impacted by structural and social determinants of health. The scope of the issue will cover any unpublished and novel cancer disparities research including but not limited to clinical trials, interventional studies, observational studies, methodological research, reviews, and perspectives. Topics may also include patient centric disparities including financial toxicity and patient reported outcomes. Research emphasizing the importance of data disaggregation and assessment of intersectionality is encouraged.

We look forward to receiving your contributions,

Dr. Kekoa Taparra
Dr. Manali I. Patel
Prof. Dr. Scarlett Lin Gomez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

race
ethnicity
gender
structural and social determinants
healthcare disparities
cancer disparities

Published Papers (13 papers)

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2023

Jump to: 2022

12 pages, 492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disparities Contributing to Late-Stage Diagnosis of Lung, Colorectal, Breast, and Cervical Cancers: Rural and Urban Poverty in Florida

by Jaclyn M. Hall, Rahma S. Mkuu, Hee Deok Cho, Jennifer N. Woodard, Frederic J. Kaye, Jiang Bian, Elizabeth A. Shenkman and Yi Guo

Cancers 2023, 15(21), 5226; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15215226 - 31 Oct 2023

Viewed by 864

Abstract

Despite advances in cancer screening, late-stage cancer diagnosis is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. In this study, we aim to understand demographic and geographic factors associated with receiving a late-stage diagnosis (LSD) of lung, colorectal, breast, or cervical cancer. (1) Methods: We analyzed data of patients with a cancer diagnosis between 2016 and 2020 from the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS), a statewide population-based registry. To investigate correlates of LSD, we estimated multi-variable logistic regression models for each cancer while controlling for age, sex, race, insurance, and census tract rurality and poverty. (2) Results: Patients from high-poverty rural areas had higher odds for LSD of lung (OR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.10, 1.37)) and breast cancer (OR = 1.31, 95% CI (1.17,1.47)) than patients from low-poverty urban areas. Patients in high-poverty urban areas saw higher odds of LSD for lung (OR = 1.05 95% CI (1.00, 1.09)), breast (OR = 1.10, 95% CI (1.06, 1.14)), and cervical cancer (OR = 1.19, 95% CI (1.03, 1.37)). (3) Conclusions: Financial barriers contributing to decreased access to care likely drive LSD for cancer in rural and urban communities of Florida. Full article

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18 pages, 1526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alzheimer’s Disease and Different Types of Cancer Likelihood: Unveiling Disparities and Potential Protective Effects in a Korean Cohort Study

by Ho Suk Kang, Ji Hee Kim, Hyun Lim, Joo-Hee Kim, Hye-Mi Noh, Hyo Geun Choi, Kyueng-Whan Min, Nan Young Kim and Mi Jung Kwon

Cancers 2023, 15(18), 4615; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15184615 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 990

Abstract

The link between Alzheimer’s disease and cancer risk is a concern in public health. However, research has yielded limited and sometimes contrasting results, suggesting the need for more validation. We analyzed a large cohort to examine the long-term association between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the risk of developing cancer. In total, 24,664 AD patients and 98,656 control participants were selected from the National Health Insurance Cohort database of Korea, spanning from 2002 to 2019. Propensity score matching and overlap-weighted adjustment techniques were used to balance the standardized differences between the AD and control groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for various cancers, considering relevant covariates. Results indicated that patients with AD had a significantly lower likelihood of overall malignancy (HR 0.63; 95% CI, 0.59–0.68) and each of the 10 site-specific cancers compared to the control group. Among these, pancreatic cancer (HR, 0.50) exhibited the strongest inverse association, followed by hepatic (HR, 0.60), gastric (HR, 0.63), kidney (HR, 0.63), lung (HR, 0.64), thyroid (HR, 0.65), colorectal (HR, 0.67), gallbladder and biliary duct (HR, 0.73), hematologic malignancy (HR, 0.73), and bladder cancers (HR, 0.76). This protective effect against certain organ-specific cancers persisted over the 16-year follow-up period, except for in kidney cancer and hematologic malignancies. The protective effect against specific cancer types (gastric, colorectal, lung, hepatic, and pancreatic) was more prominent in individuals aged 60 years and older, regardless of their sex. However, there were some variations in the specific types of cancer observed between males and females. In summary, Korean patients with AD had a lower risk of cancer, especially in individuals 60 years and older, during the 16-year follow-up period. Full article

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15 pages, 1337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between the Gut Microbiota, Race, and Ethnicity of Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

by Sorbarikor Piawah, Than S. Kyaw, Kai Trepka, Anita L. Stewart, Rosa V. Mora, Dalila Stanfield, Kendall Levine, Erin L. Van Blarigan, Alan Venook, Peter J. Turnbaugh, Tung Nguyen and Chloe E. Atreya

Cancers 2023, 15(18), 4546; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15184546 - 13 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1298

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is more prevalent among some racial and ethnic minority and low socioeconomic status populations. Although the gut microbiota is a risk factor for CRC and varies with race and ethnicity, its role in CRC disparities remains poorly understood. Methods: We examined the feasibility of recruiting sociodemographically diverse CRC patients for a microbiome study involving a home stool collection. We also explored whether race and ethnicity were associated with gut microbiome composition. We recruited Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and non-Hispanic White patients who were receiving care for active CRC to complete a comprehensive dietary and lifestyle survey, self-collect a stool sample, and complete an exit interview. Gut microbial diversity and composition were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: 30 individuals consented (of 35 who were eligible and contacted) with 5 (17%) Black/African American, 11 (37%) Hispanic/Latino, and 14 (46%) non-Hispanic White. A total of 22 (73%) completed the dietary and lifestyle survey; 18 (63%) returned a stool sample. Even after controlling for socioeconomic, dietary, or treatment-related covariates, microbiome composition was associated with race and ethnicity. Fusobacteriota (a phylum associated with the development and progression of CRC) was significantly higher in the Black/African American group compared to others, and microbial diversity was higher in samples from non-Hispanic White individuals compared to Hispanic/Latino individuals. Conclusion: Our study shows that it is feasible to recruit and collect stool samples from diverse individuals with CRC and found significant associations in gut microbial structure with race and ethnicity. Full article

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17 pages, 1740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gallbladder Cancer Risk and Indigenous South American Mapuche Ancestry: Instrumental Variable Analysis Using Ancestry-Informative Markers

by Linda Zollner, Felix Boekstegers, Carol Barahona Ponce, Dominique Scherer, Katherine Marcelain, Valentina Gárate-Calderón, Melanie Waldenberger, Erik Morales, Armando Rojas, César Munoz, Javier Retamales, Gonzalo De Toro, Allan Vera Kortmann, Olga Barajas, María Teresa Rivera, Analía Cortés, Denisse Loader, Javiera Saavedra, Lorena Gutiérrez, Alejandro Ortega, Maria Enriqueta Bertrán, Leonardo Bartolotti, Fernando Gabler, Mónica Campos, Juan Alvarado, Fabricio Moisán, Loreto Spencer, Bruno Nervi, Daniel Carvajal, Héctor Losada, Mauricio Almau, Plinio Fernández, Jordi Olloquequi, Alice R. Carter, Juan Francisco Miquel Poblete, Bernabe Ignacio Bustos, Macarena Fuentes Guajardo, Rolando Gonzalez-Jose, Maria Cátira Bortolini, Victor Acuña-Alonzo, Carla Gallo, Andres Ruiz Linares, Francisco Rothhammer and Justo Lorenzo Bermejo Show full author list Hide full author list

Cancers 2023, 15(16), 4033; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15164033 - 09 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2830

Abstract

A strong association between the proportion of indigenous South American Mapuche ancestry and the risk of gallbladder cancer (GBC) has been reported in observational studies. Chileans show the highest incidence of GBC worldwide, and the Mapuche are the largest indigenous people in Chile. We set out to assess the confounding-free effect of the individual proportion of Mapuche ancestry on GBC risk and to investigate the mediating effects of gallstone disease and body mass index (BMI) on this association. Genetic markers of Mapuche ancestry were selected based on the informativeness for assignment measure, and then used as instrumental variables in two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses and complementary sensitivity analyses. Results suggested a putatively causal effect of Mapuche ancestry on GBC risk (inverse variance-weighted (IVW) risk increase of 0.8% per 1% increase in Mapuche ancestry proportion, 95% CI 0.4% to 1.2%, p = 6.7 × 10⁻⁵) and also on gallstone disease (3.6% IVW risk increase, 95% CI 3.1% to 4.0%), pointing to a mediating effect of gallstones on the association between Mapuche ancestry and GBC. In contrast, the proportion of Mapuche ancestry showed a negative effect on BMI (IVW estimate −0.006 kg/m², 95% CI −0.009 to −0.003). The results presented here may have significant implications for GBC prevention and are important for future admixture mapping studies. Given that the association between the individual proportion of Mapuche ancestry and GBC risk previously noted in observational studies appears to be free of confounding, primary and secondary prevention strategies that consider genetic ancestry could be particularly efficient. Full article

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11 pages, 549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Race and Ethnicity Impacts Overall Survival of Patients with Appendiceal Cancer Who Undergo Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

by Devon C. Freudenberger, Vignesh Vudatha, Luke G. Wolfe, Andrea N. Riner, Kelly M. Herremans, Brian K. Sparkman, Leopoldo J. Fernandez and Jose G. Trevino

Cancers 2023, 15(15), 3990; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15153990 - 06 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 796

Abstract

Appendiceal cancer treatment may include cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). We investigated whether patient race/ethnicity influences outcomes and overall survival for patients with appendiceal cancer who undergo CRS/HIPEC. We queried the National Cancer Database for adult patients with appendiceal cancer treated with CRS/HIPEC from 2006 to 2018. Patients were stratified by race/ethnicity: non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanic, and Other. Sociodemographics and outcomes were compared using descriptive statistics. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Log-rank tests assessed differences in overall survival (OS). Cox Multivariate Regression evaluated factors associated with OS. In total, 2532 patients were identified: 2098 (82.9%) NHW, 186 (7.3%) NHB, 127 (5.0%) Hispanic, and 121 (4.8%) Other patients. The sociodemographics were statistically different across groups. The perioperative and postoperative outcomes were similar. OS was significantly different by race/ethnicity (p = 0.0029). NHB patients compared to Hispanic patients had the shortest median OS (106.7 vs. 145.9 months, p = 0.0093). Race/ethnicity was independently associated with OS: NHB (HR: 2.117 [1.306, 3.431], p = 0.0023) and NHW (HR: 1.549 [1.007, 2.383], p = 0.0463) patients compared to Hispanic patients had worse survival rates. Racial/ethnic disparities exist for patients with appendiceal cancer undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Despite having similar tumor and treatment characteristics, OS is associated with patient race/ethnicity. Full article

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8 pages, 238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Medicare Program Type with Health Care Access, Utilization, and Affordability among Cancer Survivors

by Faraz I. Jafri, Vishal R. Patel, Jianhui Xu, Daniel Polsky, Arjun Gupta and Syed Mohammed Qasim Hussaini

Cancers 2023, 15(15), 3964; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15153964 - 04 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 865

Abstract

Background: The Medicare Advantage program provides care to nearly half of Medicare beneficiaries, including a rapidly growing population of cancer survivors. Despite its increased adoption, it is still unknown whether or not the program improves healthcare access, outcomes, and affordability for cancer survivors. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years with a self-reported history of cancer from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between Medicare program type (Medicare Advantage vs. traditional Medicare) and measures of healthcare access, acute care utilization, and affordability. Results: We identified 4451 beneficiaries with a history of cancer, corresponding to 26.6 million weighted cancer survivors in 2019. Of the beneficiaries, 35.8% were enrolled in Medicare Advantage, whereas 64.2% were enrolled in traditional Medicare. The age, sex, racial and ethnic composition, household income, primary site of cancer, and comorbidity burden of Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare beneficiaries were similar. In the adjusted analysis, there were no differences in healthcare access or acute care utilization between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. However, cancer survivors enrolled in Medicare Advantage were more likely to worry about (34.3% vs. 29.4%; aOR, 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1–1.5)) or have problems paying (13.6% vs. 11.1%; aOR, 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1–1.8)) medical bills. Conclusions: We found no evidence that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with cancer had better healthcare access, affordability, or acute care utilization than traditional Medicare beneficiaries did. Furthermore, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries were more likely to report financial strain and have difficulty paying for their medical bills than were those with traditional Medicare. Despite the generous benefits and attractive incentives, Medicare Advantage plans may not be more cost-effective than traditional Medicare is for cancer survivors. Our study informs ongoing congressional deliberations to re-evaluate the role of Medicare Advantage in promoting equity among beneficiaries with cancer. Full article

18 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Needs of Those Who Serve the Underserved: A Qualitative Study among US Oncology Clinicians

by Manali I. Patel, Leslie Hinyard, Fay J. Hlubocky, Janette K. Merrill, Kimberly T. Smith, Sailaja Kamaraju, Daniel Carrizosa, Tricia Kalwar, Lola Fashoyin-Aje, Scarlett L. Gomez, Sanford Jeames, Narjust Florez, Sheetal M. Kircher and William D. Tap

Cancers 2023, 15(13), 3311; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15133311 - 23 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1540

Abstract

Background: The American Society of Clinical Oncology established the ‘Supporting Providers Serving the Underserved’ (SUS) Task Force with a goal to develop recommendations to support cancer clinicians who deliver care for populations at risk for cancer disparities. As a first step, the Task Force explored barriers and facilitators to equitable cancer care delivery. Methods: Clinicians across the United States who deliver care predominantly for low-income and racially and ethnically minoritized populations were identified based on lists generated by the Task Force and the Health Equity Committee. Through purposive sampling based on geographical location, clinicians were invited to participate in 30-60 min semi-structured interviews to explore experiences, barriers, and facilitators in their delivery of cancer care. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, imported into qualitative data management software, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Thematic analysis revealed three major themes regarding barriers (lack of executive leadership recognition of resources; patient-related socio-economic needs; clinician burnout) and two major themes regarding facilitators (provider commitment, experiential training). Conclusions: Findings reveal modifiable barriers and potential solutions to facilitate equitable cancer care delivery for populations at risk for cancer disparities. Full article

19 pages, 1675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physician Perceptions on Cancer Screening for LGBTQ+ Patients

by Nicolas G. Nelson, Joseph F. Lombardo, Ayako Shimada, Marissa L. Ruggiero, Alexandria P. Smith, Kevin Ko, Amy E. Leader, Edith P. Mitchell and Nicole L. Simone

Cancers 2023, 15(11), 3017; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15113017 - 01 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2841

Abstract

The LGBTQ+ community experiences cancer disparities due to increased risk factors and lower screening rates, attributable to health literacy gaps and systemic barriers. We sought to understand the experiences, perceptions, and knowledge base of healthcare providers regarding cancer screening for LGBTQ+ patients. A 20-item IRB-approved survey was distributed to physicians through professional organizations. The survey assessed experiences and education regarding the LGBTQ+ community and perceptions of patient concerns with different cancer screenings on a 5-point Likert scale. Complete responses were collected from 355 providers. Only 100 (28%) reported past LGBTQ+-related training and were more likely to be female (p = 0.020), have under ten years of practice (p = 0.014), or practice family/internal medicine (p < 0.001). Most (85%) recognized that LGBTQ+ subpopulations experience nuanced health issues, but only 46% confidently understood them, and 71% agreed their clinics would benefit from training. Family/internal medicine practitioners affirmed the clinical relevance of patients’ sexual orientation (94%; 62% for medical/radiation oncology). Prior training affected belief in the importance of sexual orientation (p < 0.001), confidence in understanding LGBTQ+ health concerns (p < 0.001), and willingness to be listed as “LGBTQ+-friendly” (p = 0.005). Our study suggests that despite a paucity of formal training, most providers acknowledge that LGBTQ+ patients have unique health needs. Respondents had a lack of consensus regarding cancer screenings for lesbian and transgender patients, indicating the need for clearer screening standards for LGBTQ+ subpopulations and educational programs for providers. Full article

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12 pages, 600 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prostate Cancer in Sexual Minorities: Epidemiology, Screening and Diagnosis, Treatment, and Quality of Life

by Omid Yazdanpanah, David J. Benjamin and Arash Rezazadeh Kalebasty

Cancers 2023, 15(9), 2654; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15092654 - 08 May 2023

Viewed by 2107

Abstract

Prostate cancer has the highest incidence among all cancers in men. Sexual minorities, including gay and bisexual men, as well as transgender, were previously a “hidden population” that experienced prostate cancer. Although there continues to remain a paucity of data in this population, analyses from studies do not reveal whether this population is more likely to endure prostate cancer. Nonetheless, several qualitative and quantitative studies have established worse quality-of-life outcomes for sexual minorities following prostate cancer treatment. Increased awareness of this previously “hidden population” among healthcare workers, as well as more research, is warranted to gain further understanding on potential disparities faced by this growing population. Full article

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16 pages, 2232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Racial Disparities in Brachytherapy Treatment among Women with Cervical and Endometrial Cancer in the United States

by Kekoa Taparra, Brandon I. Ing, Agnes Ewongwo, Jacqueline B. Vo, Jaimie Z. Shing, Megan Y. Gimmen, Kiana M. K. Keli‘i, Jason Uilelea, Erqi Pollom and Elizabeth Kidd

Cancers 2023, 15(9), 2571; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15092571 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1681

Abstract

Brachytherapy improves clinical outcomes among women diagnosed with cervical and endometrial cancers. Recent evidence demonstrates that declining brachytherapy boosts for women with cervical cancer were associated with higher mortality. In this retrospective cohort study, women diagnosed with endometrial or cervical cancer in the United States between 2004 and 2017 were selected from the National Cancer Database for evaluation. Women ≥18 years of age were included for high intermediate risk (PORTEC-2 and GOG-99 definition) or FIGO Stage II-IVA endometrial cancers and FIGO Stage IA-IVA—non-surgically treated cervical cancers. The aims were to (1) evaluate brachytherapy treatment practice patterns for cervical and endometrial cancers in the United States; (2) calculate rates of brachytherapy treatment by race; and (3) determine factors associated with not receiving brachytherapy. Treatment practice patterns were evaluated over time and by race. Multivariable logistic regression assessed predictors of brachytherapy. The data show increasing rates of brachytherapy for endometrial cancers. Compared to non-Hispanic White women; Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) women with endometrial cancer and Black women with cervical cancer were significantly less likely to receive brachytherapy. For both NHPI and Black women, treatment at community cancer centers was associated with a decreased likelihood of brachytherapy. The data suggest racial disparities among Black women with cervical cancer and NHPI women with endometrial cancer and emphasize an unmet need for brachytherapy access within community hospitals. Full article

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19 pages, 4173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disparities in Survival Outcomes among Racial/Ethnic Minorities with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer in the United States

by Sujith Baliga, Vedat O. Yildiz, Jose Bazan, Joshua D. Palmer, Sachin R. Jhawar, David J. Konieczkowski, John Grecula, Dukagjin M. Blakaj, Darrion Mitchell, Christina Henson, Kenneth Hu, Kosj Yamoah and Mauricio E. Gamez

Cancers 2023, 15(6), 1781; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15061781 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1708

Abstract

Background: Racial/ethnic (R/E) minorities with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have worse survival outcomes compared to White patients. While disparities in patient outcomes for R/E minorities have been well documented, the specific drivers of the inferior outcomes remain poorly understood. Patients and Methods: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study that analyzed HNSCC patients using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2000–2016. Patient outcomes were stratified by R/E groups including White, Black, Hispanic, Native American/Other, and Asian. The main outcome in this study was overall survival (OS). Univariate time-to-event survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimates and the log-rank test to evaluate the differences between strata. Results: There were 304,138 patients with HNSCC identified in this study, of which 262,762 (86.3%) were White, 32,528 (10.6%) were Black, 6191 were Asian (2.0%), and 2657 were Native American/Other (0.9%). Black R/E minorities were more likely to be uninsured (9% vs. 5%, p < 0.0001), have Medicaid insurance (22% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001), be in a lower income quartile (<30,000, 42% vs. 13%, p < 0.0001), have metastatic disease (5% vs. 2%, p < 0.001), and have a total treatment time 6 days longer than White patients (median 107 vs. 101 days, p < 0.001). The 5-year OS for White, Black, Native American/Other, and Asian patients was 50.8%, 38.6%, 51.1%, and 55.8%, respectively. Among the oropharynx HNSCC patients, the 5-year OS rates in p16+ White, Black, and Asian patients were 65.7%, 39.4%%, and 55%, respectively. After a multivariate analysis, Black race was still associated with an inferior OS (HR:1.09, 95% CI: 1.03–1.15, p = 0.002). Conclusions: This large cohort study of HNSCC patients demonstrates that Black race is independently associated with worse OS, in part due to socioeconomic, clinical, and treatment-related factors. Full article

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23 pages, 1167 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cancer Disparities among Pacific Islanders: A Review of Sociocultural Determinants of Health in the Micronesian Region

by Eric Pineda, Ryan Benavente, Megan Y. Gimmen, Nicole V. DeVille and Kekoa Taparra

Cancers 2023, 15(5), 1392; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers15051392 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2889

Abstract

It is well appreciated that the social determinants of health are intimately related with health outcomes. However, there is a paucity of literature that explores these themes comprehensively for the indigenous people within Micronesia. Certain Micronesia-specific factors, such as transitions from traditional diets, the consumption of betel nut, and exposure to radiation from the nuclear bomb testing in the Marshall Islands, have predisposed certain Micronesian populations to an increased risk of developing a variety of malignancies. Furthermore, severe weather events and rising sea levels attributed to climate change threaten to compromise cancer care resources and displace entire Micronesian populations. The consequences of these risks are expected to increase the strain on the already challenged, disjointed, and burdened healthcare infrastructure in Micronesia, likely leading to more expenses in off-island referrals. A general shortage of Pacific Islander physicians within the workforce reduces the number of patients that can be seen, as well as the quality of culturally competent care that is delivered. In this narrative review, we comprehensively underscore the health disparities and cancer inequities faced by the underserved communities within Micronesia. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2023

10 pages, 406 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Outcomes of COVID-19 among Hematology/Oncology Patients and Providers of a Community-Facing Health System during the B1.1.529 (“Omicron”) SARS-CoV-2 Variant Wave

by Samuel A. Kareff, Aliya Khan, Priscila Barreto-Coelho, Sunil Girish Iyer, Brian Pico, Michele Stanchina, Giselle Dutcher, José Monteiro de Oliveira Novaes, Aparna Nallagangula and Gilberto Lopes

Cancers 2022, 14(19), 4629; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers14194629 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1923

Abstract

(1) Background: the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, and patients actively receiving chemotherapy are known to be at enhanced risk for developing symptomatic disease with poorer outcomes. Our study evaluated the prevalence of COVID-19 among patients and providers of our community-facing county health system during the B1.1.529 (“Omicron”) COVID-19 variant wave. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients that received care and clinical providers whom worked at the Jackson Memorial Hospital Hematology/Oncology clinic in Miami, Florida, USA, from 1 December 2021 through 30 April 2022. We assessed demographic variables and quality outcomes among patients. (3) Results: 1031 patients and 18 providers were retrospectively analyzed. 90 patients tested positive for COVID-19 (8.73%), while 6 providers tested positive (33.3%) (p = 0.038). There were 4 (10.3%) COVID-19-related deaths (and another outside our study timeframe) and 39 non-COVID-19-related deaths (89.7%) in the patient population (p = 0.77). COVID-19 accounted for 4.44% of our clinic’s total mortality, and delayed care in 64.4% of patients. (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of COVID-19 positivity in our patient cohort mirrored local, state, and national trends, however a statistically significant greater proportion of our providers tested positive. Almost two-thirds of patients experienced a cancer treatment delay, significantly impacting oncologic care. Full article

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