Racial disparities in initiation of chemotherapy among breast cancer patients with discretionary treatment indication in the state of Georgia

PURPOSE

The majority of breast cancer patients are diagnosed with early-stage estrogen receptor (ER) positive disease. Despite effective treatments for these cancers, Black women have higher mortality than White women. We investigated demographic and clinical factors associated with receipt of chemotherapy among those with a discretionary indication who are at risk for overtreatment.

METHODS

Using Georgia Cancer Registry data, we identified females diagnosed with ER positive breast cancer who had a discretionary indication for chemotherapy (2010-2017). We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associating patient demographic and clinical characteristics with chemotherapy initiation overall, and comparing non-Hispanic Black (NHB) with non-Hispanic White (NHW) women within strata of patient factors.

RESULTS

We identified 11,993 ER positive breast cancer patients with a discretionary indication for chemotherapy. NHB patients were more likely to initiate chemotherapy compared with NHW women (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.56). Race differences in chemotherapy initiation were pronounced among those who did not receive Oncotype DX testing (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.65) and among those residing in high socioeconomic status neighborhoods (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.70, 3.61). However, we observed equitable chemotherapy receipt among patients who received Oncotype DX testing (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.71, 1.14), were diagnosed with grade 1 disease (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.37), and those resided in rural areas (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.76, 1.36).

CONCLUSION

We observed racial disparities in the initiation of chemotherapy overall and by sociodemographic and clinical factors, and more equitable outcomes when clinical guidelines were followed.

Outpatient hysteroscopy: Suitable for all? A retrospective cohort study of safety, success and acceptability in Australia

BACKGROUND

In Australia, gynaecologists continue to assess and investigate abnormal uterine bleeding with inpatient hysteroscopy despite evidence validating outpatient hysteroscopy services.

AIM

This retrospective cohort study assessed the safety, success and acceptability of office hysteroscopy in a gynae-oncology rapid-access clinic over six years in Sydney, Australia, and included all women without an age or body mass index (BMI) cut-off using a 'see and treat' concept.

METHODS

A database was created and analysed retrospectively for patients who attended office hysteroscopy service between January 2016 and March 2021 (63 months, 481 eligible). An anonymous modified PAT-32 patient satisfaction questionnaire was also offered to an initial cohort after their procedure to gauge insightful feedback about acceptability.

RESULTS

A total of 92% of patients had successful outpatient hysteroscopic access; 24% of cases required hysteroscopy under general anaesthesia (GA) despite pathology in over 50% of cases; 68% of the total were able to be managed with outpatient hysteroscopy and did not require a follow-up GA hysteroscopy. This paper is also the first of its kind to our knowledge to incorporate patients >65 years, those with a BMI >35 and those with a history of cervical stenosis. This study suggests that age and BMI do not impact the success rate of the procedure.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that outpatient hysteroscopy is an acceptable, safe procedure that is well tolerated by patients. Considering our rapid-access hysteroscopy service allowed 68% of the patient cohort to avoid hysteroscopy under GA, we estimate conservatively ~$63 million per year in Australia could be saved by performing office hysteroscopies.

A Comparison of Three Area-Level Indices of Neighborhood Deprivation and Socioeconomic Status and their Applicability to Breast Cancer Mortality

Neighborhood deprivation indices are widely used in research, but the performance of these indices has rarely been directly compared in the same analysis. We examined the Area Deprivation Index, Neighborhood Deprivation Index, and Yost index, and compared their associations with breast cancer mortality. Indices were constructed for Georgia census block groups using 2011-2015 American Community Survey data. Pearson correlation coefficients and percent agreement were calculated. Associations between each index and breast cancer mortality were estimated among 36,795 women diagnosed with breast cancer using Cox proportional hazards regression. The indices were strongly correlated (absolute value of correlation coefficients > 0.77), exhibited moderate (41.4%) agreement, and were similarly associated with a 36% increase in breast cancer mortality. The similar associations with breast cancer mortality suggest the indices measure the same underlying construct, despite only moderate agreement. By understanding their correlations, agreement, and associations with health outcomes, researchers can choose the most appropriate index for analysis.

Census Tracts Are Not Neighborhoods: Addressing Spatial Misalignment in Studies Examining the Impact of Historical Redlining on Present-day Health Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Research examining the effects of historical redlining on present-day health outcomes is often complicated by the misalignment of contemporary census boundaries with the neighborhood boundaries drawn by the US Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1930s. Previous studies have used different approaches to assign historical HOLC grades to contemporary geographies, but how well they capture redlining exposure is unknown.

METHODS

Our analysis included 7711 residences identified in the Multiple Listing Service database in Atlanta, Georgia (2017-2022). We evaluated the classification of HOLC grade assignment (A, B, C, D, or ungraded) when assigning exposure under four area-level approaches (centroid, majority land area, weighted score, and highest HOLC) compared with using complete address data (gold standard). We additionally compared approaches across three 2020 census geographies (tract, block group, and block).

RESULTS

When comparing the use of census tracts to complete address data, sensitivity was highest for the weighted score approach, which correctly identified 77% of residences in truly A-D graded neighborhoods as compared with the majority land area (44%), centroid (54%), and highest HOLC (59%) approaches. Regarding specificity, the majority land area approach best-classified residences in truly ungraded neighborhoods (93%) as compared with the weighted score (65%), centroid (81%), and highest HOLC (54%) approaches. Classification improved regardless of approach when using census block compared with the census tract.

CONCLUSIONS

Misclassification of historical redlining exposure is inevitable when using contemporary census geographies rather than complete address data. This study provides a framework for assessing spatial misalignment and selecting an approach for classification.

Cohort profile: pathways to care among people with disorders of sex development (DSD)

PURPOSE

The 'DSD Pathways' study was initiated to assess health status and patterns of care among people enrolled in large integrated healthcare systems and diagnosed with conditions comprising the broad category of disorders (differences) of sex development (DSD). The objectives of this communication are to describe methods of cohort ascertainment for two specific DSD conditions-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia with 46,XX karyotype (46,XX CAH) and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS).

PARTICIPANTS

Using electronic health records we developed an algorithm that combined diagnostic codes, clinical notes, laboratory data and pharmacy records to assign each cohort candidate a 'strength-of-evidence' score supporting the diagnosis of interest. A sample of cohort candidates underwent a review of the full medical record to determine the score cutoffs for final cohort validation.

FINDINGS TO DATE

Among 5404 classic 46,XX CAH cohort candidates the strength-of-evidence scores ranged between 0 and 10. Based on sample validation, the eligibility cut-off for full review was set at the strength-of-evidence score of ≥7 among children under the age of 8 years and ≥8 among older cohort candidates. The final validation of all cohort candidates who met the cut-off criteria identified 115 persons with classic 46,XX CAH. The strength-of-evidence scores among 648 CAIS cohort candidates ranged from 2 to 10. There were no confirmed CAIS cases among cohort candidates with scores <6. The in-depth medical record review for candidates with scores ≥6 identified 61 confirmed cases of CAIS.

FUTURE PLANS

As the first cohort of this type, the DSD Pathways study is well-positioned to fill existing knowledge gaps related to management and outcomes in this heterogeneous population. Analyses will examine diagnostic and referral patterns, adherence to care recommendations and physical and mental health morbidities examined through comparisons of DSD and reference populations and analyses of health status across DSD categories.

Drivers of racial, regional, and socioeconomic disparities in late-stage breast cancer mortality

BACKGROUND

The authors identified tumor, treatment, and patient characteristics that may contribute to differences in breast cancer (BC) mortality by race, rurality, and area-level socioeconomic status (SES) among women diagnosed with stage IIIB-IV BC in Georgia.

METHODS

Using the Georgia Cancer Registry, 3084 patients with stage IIIB-IV primary BC (2013-2017) were identified. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing mortality among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) versus non-Hispanic White (NHW), residents of rural versus urban neighborhoods, and residents of low- versus high-SES neighborhoods by tumor, treatment, and patient characteristics. The mediating effects of specific characteristics on the association between race and BC mortality were estimated.

RESULTS

Among the study population, 41% were NHB, 21% resided in rural counties, and 72% resided in low SES neighborhoods. The authors observed mortality disparities by race (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.13, 1.41) and rurality (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.30), but not by SES (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.91, 1.19). In the stratified analyses, racial disparities were the most pronounced among women with HER2 overexpressing tumors (HR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.53, 3.45). Residing in a rural county was associated with increased mortality among uninsured women (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.31, 3.86), and the most pronounced SES disparities were among younger women (<40 years: HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.88, 2.42).

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variation in racial, regional, and socioeconomic disparities in late-stage BC mortality by tumor, treatment, and patient characteristics.

Race Differences in the Associations between Menstrual Cycle Characteristics and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND

Menstrual cycle characteristics-including age at menarche and cycle length- have been associated with ovarian cancer risk in White women. However, the associations between menstrual cycle characteristics and ovarian cancer risk among Black women have been sparsely studied.

METHODS

Using the Ovarian Cancer in Women of African Ancestry (OCWAA) Consortium that includes 1,024 Black and 2,910 White women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and 2,325 Black and 7,549 White matched controls, we investigated associations between menstrual cycle characteristics (age at menarche, age at menstrual regularity, cycle length, and ever missing three periods) and EOC risk by race and menopausal status. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Black women were more likely to be <11 years at menarche than White women (controls: 9.9% vs. 6.0%). Compared with ≥15 years at menarche, <11 years was associated with increased EOC risk for White (OR = 1.25; 95% CI, 0.99-1.57) but not Black women (OR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.80-1.55). Among White women only, the association was greater for premenopausal (OR = 2.20; 95% CI, 1.31-3.68) than postmenopausal women (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.82-1.38). Irregular cycle length was inversely associated with risk for White (OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.99) but not Black women (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.68-1.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Earlier age at menarche and cycle irregularity are associated with increased EOC risk for White but not Black women.

IMPACT

Associations between menstrual cycle characteristics and EOC risk were not uniform by race.

Abstract 3678: Drivers of racial, regional, and socioeconomic disparities in metastatic breast cancer mortality

Despite an overall decline in breast cancer (BC) mortality due to advancements in cancer therapy, mortality disparities by race, rurality, and socioeconomic status (SES) persist among women diagnosed with metastatic disease in the US. Women residing in high-poverty or rural areas or who are non-Hispanic Black (NHB) experience higher rates of BC mortality relative to their counterparts. Although mortality disparities among late-stage BC patients are well-documented, few studies have examined the drivers of these disparities, which are likely multifactorial. We sought to identify tumor, treatment, and patient characteristics that may contribute to differences in BC mortality by race, rurality, and SES among women diagnosed with a first primary stage IIIB - IV BC in Georgia.Using the Georgia Cancer Registry, we identified 3085 patients with an initial diagnosis of stage IIIB-IV primary BC between January 2013 and December 2017. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare NHB vs. non-Hispanic White (NHW), rural vs. urban residents, and residents of low- vs. high-SES neighborhoods by tumor (stage, grade, ER status, and molecular subtype), treatment (surgery type, receipt of chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal, neoadjuvant, and immunotherapy), and patient (race, insurance, age group, marital status, region, SES) characteristics. Using an extension of the counterfactual framework, we estimated the mediating effects of subtype, stage, SES, rurality, and insurance on the association between race and BC mortality. Among the study population, 41% were NHB, 21% resided in rural counties, and 72% resided in low SES neighborhoods. Overall, we observed mortality disparities by race (HR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.41) and rurality (HR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.30), but not by SES (HR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.19). In the stratified analyses, racial disparities were the most pronounced among women with HER2 overexpressing tumors (HR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.45). Residing in a rural neighborhood was associated with increased mortality among uninsured women (HR=2.25, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.86) or receipt of breast-conserving surgery (HR=2.21, 95 CI%: 1.32, 3.71). The most pronounced socioeconomic disparities were among younger women (&lt;40 years: HR=1.46, 95% CI: 0.88, 2.42) and patients who received neoadjuvant therapy (HR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.05). The mediation analysis demonstrated that 48% of the effect between race and BC mortality was mediated by subtype.There is considerable variation in racial, regional, and socioeconomic disparities in metastatic BC mortality by tumor, treatment, and patient characteristics. For each, we’ve identified patient groups where disparities are most pronounced. Understanding specific barriers within these patient groups will inform future interventions aimed at reducing disparities in metastatic BC mortality.

Citation Format: Leah Moubadder, Lindsay J. Collin, Rebecca Nash, Jeffrey Switchenko, Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz, Keerthi Gogineni, Kevin C. Ward, Lauren E. McCullough. Drivers of racial, regional, and socioeconomic disparities in metastatic breast cancer mortality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3678.

Abstract 3672: Area-level drivers of the breast cancer mortality race disparity in Georgia

In the US, breast cancer mortality is 40% greater among Black than White women. The mortality disparity varies geographically and has persisted despite improvements in survival. Georgia is one of six states where breast cancer recently surpassed lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among Black but not White women, is a large and diverse state, and thus, an ideal setting to study race disparities. Our work in the Atlanta Metro area has shown that the mortality disparity is pronounced among patients with clinically favorable subtypes, low Oncotype DX® recurrence scores, guideline-concordant care, and similar access to surgical facilities. The disparity also persists among patients with private insurance and those living in areas of low poverty, suggesting clinical and sociodemographic differences do not fully account for the observed disparity. Recent evidence suggests area-level factors may contribute to the disparity. Our group reported that neighborhood-level redlining (i.e., mortgage denial based on place) is associated with an increase in breast cancer mortality while neighborhood-level lending bias (i.e., mortgage denial based on race) is associated with a decrease in breast cancer mortality. In Atlanta, Black patients are more likely to live in redlined areas and less likely to live in areas with lending bias, than White patients, further suggesting place is an important driver of disparities. We investigated the role of other area-level factors on race-specific mortality in Georgia. Race-specific standardized mortality ratios were computed for each county in Georgia. Observed breast cancer deaths among non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) women within 5 years of a stage I-III breast cancer diagnosis (2005-2013) were obtained from the Georgia Cancer Registry. County-level characteristics were derived from the American Community Survey and Georgia Department of Public Health. A Bayesian model-based approach was used to stabilize local estimates and estimate associations with area-level factors. Smoothed estimates of relative disparity ranged from 1.2 to 1.7, with pronounced disparity for counties surrounding the Atlanta and Savannah metropolitan areas and least pronounced disparity in Metro Albany counties. Among NHB women, living in a rural (versus non-rural) county was associated with a nearly 20% increase in breast cancer mortality (RR=1.19, 95% credible interval (CI): 0.96, 1.48); an association not observed in NHW patients (RR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.79, 1.07). In contrast, a 10-point increase in the percent of adults with ≤high school education was associated with a 10% increase (95% CI: 1.05, 1.17) in mortality for NHW patients only. The race disparity in Georgia is not evenly distributed across counties. We identified area-level characteristics associated with race-specific mortality. Identifying other area-level drivers of breast cancer mortality is an important area of inquiry.

Citation Format: Rebecca Nash, Lindsay J. Collin, Jeffrey Switchenko, Lauren E. McCullough. Area-level drivers of the breast cancer mortality race disparity in Georgia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3672.

Time to Surgical Treatment and Facility Characteristics as Potential Drivers of Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Mortality

BACKGROUND

Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer than White women. This study evaluated the contribution of time to primary surgical management and surgical facility characteristics to racial disparities in breast cancer mortality among both Black and White women.

METHODS

The study identified 2224 Black and 3787 White women with a diagnosis with stages I to III breast cancer (2010-2014). Outcomes included time to surgical treatment (> 30 days from diagnosis) and breast cancer mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associating surgical facility characteristics with surgical delay were computed, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs associating delay and facility characteristics with breast cancer mortality.

RESULTS

Black women were two times more likely to have a surgical delay (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.92-2.41) than White women. Racial disparity in surgical delay was least pronounced among women treated at a non-profit facility (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.70-2.25). The estimated mortality rate for Black women was two times that for White women (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.83-2.46). Racial disparities in breast cancer mortality were least pronounced among women who experienced no surgical delay (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.28-2.56), received surgery at a government facility (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.76-2.27), or underwent treatment at a Commission on Cancer-accredited facility (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.38-2.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Black women were more likely to experience a surgical delay and breast cancer death. Persistent racial disparities in breast cancer mortality were observed across facility characteristics except for government facilities.

Understanding gastrointestinal cancer mortality disparities in a racially and geographically diverse population

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers represent a diverse group of diseases. We assessed differences in geographic and racial disparities in cancer-specific mortality across subtypes, overall and by patient characteristics, in a geographically and racially diverse US population.

METHODS

Clinical, sociodemographic, and treatment characteristics for patients diagnosed during 2009-2014 with colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or gastric cancer in Georgia were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database. Patients were classified by geography (rural or urban county) and race and followed for cancer-specific death. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate stratified hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between geography or race and cancer-specific mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 77% of the study population resided in urban counties and 33% were non-Hispanic Black (NHB). For all subtypes, NHB patients were more likely to reside in urban counties than non-Hispanic White patients. Residing in a rural county was associated with an overall increased hazard of cancer-specific mortality for HCC (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02-1.31), pancreatic (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03-1.19), and gastric cancer (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03-1.32) but near-null for CRC. Overall racial disparities were observed for CRC (HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.11-1.25) and HCC (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01-1.24). Geographic disparities were most pronounced among HCC patients receiving surgery. Racial disparities were pronounced among CRC patients receiving any treatment.

CONCLUSION

Geographic disparities were observed for the rarer GI cancer subtypes, and racial disparities were pronounced for CRC. Treatment factors appear to largely drive both disparities.

Is There a Link Between Hormone Use and Diabetes Incidence in Transgender People? Data From the STRONG Cohort

BACKGROUND

Risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) persons, especially those receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is an area of clinical and research importance.

METHODS

We used data from an electronic health record-based cohort study of persons 18 years and older enrolled in 3 integrated health care systems. The cohort included 2869 transfeminine members matched to 28 300 cisgender women and 28 258 cisgender men on age, race/ethnicity, calendar year, and site, and 2133 transmasculine members similarly matched to 20 997 cisgender women and 20 964 cisgender men. Cohort ascertainment spanned 9 years from 2006 through 2014 and follow-up extended through 2016. Data on T2DM incidence and prevalence were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models, respectively. All analyses controlled for body mass index.

RESULTS

Both prevalent and incident T2DM was more common in the transfeminine cohort relative to cisgender female referents with odds ratio and hazard ratio (95% CI) estimates of 1.3 (1.1-1.5) and 1.4 (1.1-1.8), respectively. No significant differences in prevalence or incidence of T2DM were observed across the remaining comparison groups, both overall and in TGD persons with evidence of GAHT receipt.

CONCLUSION

Although transfeminine people may be at higher risk for T2DM compared with cisgender females, the corresponding difference relative to cisgender males is not discernable. Moreover, there is little evidence that T2DM occurrence in either transfeminine or transmasculine persons is attributable to GAHT use.

Global patterns of submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection: insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis of population surveys

Background

Adoption of molecular techniques to detect Plasmodium falciparum infection has revealed many previously undetected (by microscopy) yet transmissible low-density infections. The proportion of these infections is typically highest in low transmission settings, but drivers of submicroscopic infection remain unclear. Here, we updated a previous systematic review of asexual P falciparum prevalence by microscopy PCR in the same population. We aimed to explore potential drivers of submicroscopic infection and to identify the locations where submicroscopic infections are most common.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched PubMed and Web of Science from Jan 1, 2010, until Oct 11, 2020, for cross-sectional studies reporting data on asexual P falciparum prevalence by both microscopy and PCR. Surveys of pregnant women, surveys in which participants had been chosen based on symptoms or treatment, or surveys that did not involve a population from a defined location were excluded. Both the number of individuals tested and the number of individuals who tested positive by microscopy or PCR, or both, for P falciparum infection were extracted. Bayesian regression modelling was used to explore determinants of the size of the submicroscopic reservoir including geographical location, seasonality, age, methodology, and current or historical patterns of transmission.

Findings

Of 4893 identified studies, we retained 121 after screening and removal of duplicates. 45 studies from a previous systematic review were included giving 166 studies containing 551 cross-sectional survey microscopy and PCR prevalence pairs. Our results show that submicroscopic infections predominate in low-transmission settings across all regions, but also reveal marked geographical variation, with the proportion of infections that are submicroscopic being highest in South American surveys and lowest in west African surveys. Although current transmission levels partly explain these results, we find that historical transmission intensity also represents a crucial determinant of the size of the submicroscopic reservoir, as does the demographic structure of the infected population (with submicroscopic infection more likely to occur in adults than in children) and the PCR or microscopy methodology used. We also observed a small yet significant influence of seasonality, with fewer submicroscopic infections observed in the wet season than the dry season. Integrating these results with estimates of infectivity in relation to parasite density suggests the contribution of submicroscopic infections to transmission across different settings is likely to be highly variable.

Interpretation

Significant variation in the prevalence of submicroscopic infection exists even across settings characterised by similar current levels of transmission. These differences in submicroscopic epidemiology potentially warrant different approaches to targeting this infected subgroup across different settings to eliminate malaria.

Funding

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Royal Society, and the UK Medical Research Council.

Racial Disparities in Diagnostic Delay Among Women With Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

Early diagnosis is fundamental to reducing breast cancer (BC) mortality, and understanding potential barriers from initial screening to confirmed diagnosis is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient characteristics that contribute to delay in diagnosis of screen-detected cancers and the contribution of delay to tumor characteristics and BC mortality.

METHODS

Three hundred sixty-two White and 368 Black women were identified who were screened and received subsequent BC diagnoses within Emory Healthcare, a part of Emory University health care system (2010-2014). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associating patient characteristics with delay to diagnostic evaluation (≥30 versus <30 days), delay to biopsy (≥15 versus <15 days), and total delay (≥45 versus <45 days). Additionally, the ORs and 95% CIs associating delay with tumor characteristics and BC mortality were computed.

RESULTS

Black women and women diagnosed at later stages, with larger tumor sizes, and with triple-negative tumors were more likely to experience ≥45 days to diagnosis. In multivariable-adjusted models, Black women had at least a two-fold increase in the odds of delay to diagnostic evaluation (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.45-2.71), biopsy delays (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.67-3.41), and total delays ≥45 days (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.63-3.02) compared with White women. A 1.6-fold increased odds of BC mortality was observed among women who experienced total delays ≥45 days compared with women without delays in diagnosis (OR, 1.57, 95% CI, 0.96-2.58).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated racial disparities in delays in the diagnostic process for screen-detected malignancies. Total delay in diagnosis was associated with an increase in BC mortality.

Progression of Gender Dysphoria in Children and Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The progression of gender-expansive behavior to gender dysphoria and to gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) in children and adolescents is poorly understood.

METHODS

A cohort of 958 gender-diverse (GD) children and adolescents who did not have a gender dysphoria-related diagnosis (GDRD) or GAHT at index were identified. Rates of first GDRD and first GAHT prescription were compared across demographic groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 29% of participants received a GDRD and 25% were prescribed GAHT during the average follow-up of 3.5 years (maximum 9 years). Compared with youth assigned male sex at birth, those assigned female sex at birth were more likely to receive a diagnosis and initiate GAHT with hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) estimates of 1.3 (1.0-1.7), and 2.5 (1.8-3.3), respectively. A progression to diagnosis was more common among those aged ≥15 years at initial presentation compared with those aged 10 to 14 years and those aged 3 to 9 years (37% vs 28% vs 16%, respectively). By using the youngest group as a reference, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for a GDRD were 2.0 (1.3-3.0) for age 10 to 14 years and 2.7 (1.8-3.9) for age ≥15 years. Racial and ethnic minorities were less likely to receive a diagnosis or be prescribed GAHT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study characterized the progression of GD behavior in children and adolescents. Less than one-third of GD youth receive an eventual GDRD, and approximately one-quarter receive GAHT. Female sex at birth, older age of initial GD presentation to medical care, and non-Hispanic white race and ethnicity increased the likelihood of receiving diagnosis and treatment.

Changes in Size and Demographic Composition of Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Population Receiving Care at Integrated Health Systems

OBJECTIVE

To examine temporal changes in the number and demographic composition of transgender/gender non-binary (TGNB) population using data from integrated health care systems.

METHODS

Electronic health records from Kaiser Permanente health plans in Georgia and Northern and Southern California were used to identify TGNB individuals, who sought care from January 2006 to December 2014, and the data were analyzed by year, site, age, and sex assigned at birth.

RESULTS

In 2006, the number of TGNB people (and corresponding 95% CI) per 100 000 population were 3.5 (1.9, 6.3) in Georgia, 5.5 (4.8, 6.4) in Southern California, and 17 (16, 19) in Northern California. In 2014, these frequencies increased to 38 (32, 45), 44 (42, 46), and 75 (72, 78) per 100 000 population, respectively. When analyzed by age, the most rapid increase was observed among persons 18 to 25 years old, and this increase accelerated after 2010. The ratio of transmasculine to transfeminine persons also changed from 1:1.7 in 2006 to 1:1 in 2014 overall and from 1:1 in 2006 to 1.8:1 in 2014 among persons <18 years of age.

CONCLUSION

This analysis confirms previous observations that the proportion of TGNB people is growing, especially among young adults. The composition of the TGNB population is also changing from predominantly transfeminine to roughly 1:1 overall and to predominantly transmasculine in children and adolescents.

Neighborhood-Level Redlining and Lending Bias Are Associated with Breast Cancer Mortality in a Large and Diverse Metropolitan Area

BACKGROUND

Structural inequities have important implications for the health of marginalized groups. Neighborhood-level redlining and lending bias represent state-sponsored systems of segregation, potential drivers of adverse health outcomes. We sought to estimate the effect of redlining and lending bias on breast cancer mortality and explore differences by race.

METHODS

Using Georgia Cancer Registry data, we included 4,943 non-Hispanic White (NHW) and 3,580 non-Hispanic Black (NHB) women with a first primary invasive breast cancer diagnosis in metro-Atlanta (2010-2014). Redlining and lending bias were derived for census tracts using the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act database. We calculated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations of redlining, lending bias on breast cancer mortality and estimated race-stratified associations.

RESULTS

Overall, 20% of NHW and 80% of NHB women lived in redlined census tracts, and 60% of NHW and 26% of NHB women lived in census tracts with pronounced lending bias. Living in redlined census tracts was associated with a nearly 1.60-fold increase in breast cancer mortality (hazard ratio = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.37-1.82) while residing in areas with substantial lending bias reduced the hazard of breast cancer mortality (hazard ratio = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.99). Among NHB women living in redlined census tracts, we observed a slight increase in breast cancer mortality (hazard ratio = 1.13; 95% CI, 0.90-1.42); among NHW women the association was more pronounced (hazard ratio = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.09-1.78).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underscore the role of ecologic measures of structural racism on cancer outcomes.

IMPACT

Place-based measures are important contributors to health outcomes, an important unexplored area that offers potential interventions to address disparities.

Abstract PO-168: Association between geography and cause-specific mortality in gastrointestinal cancers in Georgia

Background: Cancers of the gastrointestinal system represent a diverse range of diseases with different etiologies, from screening-detectable colorectal cancer (CRC) to pancreatic cancer, often diagnosed at late stage and highly lethal. While racial disparities have been observed for some of these cancers, the impact of geography is less understood. Georgia is an ideal place to examine disparities in geography because it has a diverse setting and population, with approximately 25% of residents living in a rural area and nearly one-third identifying as non-Hispanic Black (NHB), according to the 2010 decennial census. Methods: We obtained clinical (age at diagnosis, tumor stage, tumor size), sociodemographic (e.g., insurance status, marital status, SES index), and treatment information (e.g., receipt of surgery, lymph node biopsy/removal) on nearly 30,000 NHB and non-Hispanic White (NHW) men and women aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with CRC, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic cancer or gastric cancer between 2009 and 2014 in Georgia from the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program.

Patients were classified as residing in a metro or non-metro county at diagnosis according to 2013 rural-urban continuum codes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between residing in a non- metro versus metro county and cause-specific mortality, stratified by patient characteristics. Results: Over 75% of the study population resided in a metro county at diagnosis, with the highest proportion among HCC cases (81%) and the lowest proportion among CRC cases (76%). Overall, NHBs were more likely to reside in metro counties (82%) than NHWs (74%). The average length of follow-up varied by cancer site and metro status, ranging from 35 months (CRC in metro areas) to 4 months (pancreatic cancer in non-metro areas). For all cancer sites, patients in metro counties were more likely to be younger, single, have localized disease (except gastric cancer), and receive surgery of the primary site. By comparison, patients in non-metro counties were more likely to be diagnosed at older ages, have Medicaid, and be widowed. Residing in a non-metro county was associated with higher cause- specific mortality among the youngest patients (age 18-49 years) for pancreatic cancer (HR=1.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.9) and gastric cancer (HR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.6). We also observed a higher hazard of mortality for residing in a non-metro compared to metro county among NHB HCC patients (HR=1.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.7) and never married gastric cancer patients (HR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.1). Associations among CRC patients were less robust. Conclusion: Our results suggest residing in a non-metro county is associated with higher mortality among some groups diagnosed with rarer gastrointestinal cancers. Geographic differences in access to diagnosis and treatment may contribute to this disparity.

Citation Format: Rebecca Nash, Jasmine M. Miller-Kleinhenz, Maria C. Russell, Lindsay J. Collin, Katherine Ross-Driscoll, Jeffrey M. Switchenko, Lauren E. McCullough. Association between geography and cause-specific mortality in gastrointestinal cancers in Georgia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-168.

An automated algorithm using free-text clinical notes to improve identification of transgender people

Accurate identification of transgender persons is a critical first step in conducting transgender health studies. To develop an automated algorithm for identifying transgender individuals from electronic medical records (EMR) using free-text clinical notes. The development and validation of the algorithm was based on data from an integrated healthcare system that served as a participating site in the multicenter Study of Transition Outcomes and Gender. The training and test datasets each contained a total of 300 individuals identified between 2006 and 2014. Both datasets underwent a full medical record review by experienced research abstractors. The validated algorithm was then implemented to identify transgender individuals in the EMR using all clinical notes of patients that received care between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2018. Validation of the algorithm against the full chart review demonstrated a high degree of accuracy with 97% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 94% positive predictive value, and 97% negative predictive value. The algorithm classified 7,409 individuals (3.5%) as "Definitely transgender" and 679 individuals (0.3%) as "Probably transgender" out of 212,138 candidates with a total of 378,641 clinical notes. The computerized NLP algorithm can support essential efforts to improve the health of transgender people.

Interprofessional education clinical placement program: a qualitative case study approach

The goal of health professional education programs is to produce competent graduates, with an ability to work collaboratively as effective healthcare team members. We explored the reflections of students and clinical facilitators, in response to participation in a structured interprofessional education (IPE) clinical placement program. In our qualitative study we used an exploratory case study design. In our analysis, we highlight the benefits of interprofessional practice. Key themes identified by students included: limited opportunities to engage in IPE across their course; lack of clarity around IPE; value of IPE for students, practitioners, and patient outcomes; and need for IPE opportunities to be integrated into placements. Key themes identified by the clinical facilitators included: being reminded of the value of IPE for students and patients; preparation for IPE placements need to be embedded in curricula; coordination and communication of IPE learning activities need to be clear for staff and students; and IPE should continue as part of the broader clinical education agenda. Our findings reinforce the notion that students and clinical facilitators value the importance of IPE for student learning within the clinical placement setting. The outcomes offer valuable insights for universities and hospital and health care contexts for setting up and implementing IPE activities, and we provide recommendations for improving ongoing IPE efforts within clinical placement setting.

Longitudinal Changes in Hematologic Parameters Among Transgender People Receiving Hormone Therapy

CONTEXT

The effect of gender-affirming hormone therapy (HT) on erythropoiesis is an area of priority in transgender health research.

OBJECTIVE

To compare changes in hematologic parameters and rates of erythrocytosis and anemia among transgender people to those of cisgender controls.

DESIGN

Longitudinal observational study.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

We compared 559 transfeminine (TF) and 424 transmasculine (TM) people enrolled in 3 integrated health care systems to matched cisgender referents.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME

Hormone therapy receipt was ascertained from filled prescriptions. Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels were examined from the first blood test to HT initiation, and from the start of HT to the most recent blood test. Rates of erythrocytosis and anemia in transgender participants and referents were compared by calculating adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

In the TF group, there was a downward trend for both Hb and Hct. The corresponding changes in the TM cohort were in the opposite direction. TM study participants experienced a 7-fold higher rate (95% CI: 4.1-13.4) of erythrocytosis relative to matched cisgender males, and an 83-fold higher rate (95% CI: 36.1-191.2) compared to cisgender females. The corresponding rates for anemia were elevated in TF subjects but primarily relative to cisgender males (hazard ratio 5.9; 95% CI: 4.6-7.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support previous recommendations that hematological parameters of transgender people receiving HT should be interpreted based on their affirmed gender, rather than their sex documented at birth. The clinical significance of erythrocytosis following testosterone therapy, as well as anemia following feminizing HT, requires further investigation.

Suicide Attempts Among a Cohort of Transgender and Gender Diverse People

INTRODUCTION

Transgender and gender diverse people often face discrimination and may experience disproportionate emotional distress that leads to suicide attempts. Therefore, it is essential to estimate the frequency and potential determinants of suicide attempts among transgender and gender diverse individuals.

METHODS

Longitudinal data on 6,327 transgender and gender diverse individuals enrolled in 3 integrated healthcare systems were analyzed to assess suicide attempt rates. Incidence was compared between transmasculine and transfeminine people by age and race/ethnicity and according to mental health status at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models examined rates and predictors of suicide attempts during follow-up. Data were collected in 2016, and analyses were conducted in 2019.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 4.8% of transmasculine and 3.0% of transfeminine patients had at least 1 suicide attempt. Suicide attempt rates were more than 7 times higher among patients aged <18 years than among those aged >45 years, more than 3 times higher among patients with previous history of suicide ideation or suicide attempts than among those with no such history, and 2-5 times higher among those with 1-2 mental health diagnoses and more than 2 mental health diagnoses at baseline than among those with none.

CONCLUSIONS

Among transgender and gender diverse individuals, younger people, people with previous suicidal ideation or attempts, and people with multiple mental health diagnoses are at a higher risk for suicide attempts. Future research should examine the impact of gender-affirming healthcare use on the risk of suicide attempts and identify targets for suicide prevention interventions among transgender and gender diverse people in clinical settings.

Subglottic cysts: The Great Ormond Street experience in 105 patients

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to assess the contemporary presentation and management of subglottic cysts and make recommendations on the treatment of these patients.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of 105 patients between October 1999 and November 2017 from a paediatric teaching hospital.

RESULTS

Ninety-one percentage (n = 96) had a history of prematurity, with a mean gestation of 27.2 weeks (SD ± 4.1). A history of intubation was found in 99% (n = 104) of cases [median 18 days (range = 1-176)]. Presenting symptoms were: Stridor 57.1%, (n = 60), difficult intubation 14% (n = 15), recurrent croup 11.4% (n = 12), failed extubation 7.6%, (n = 8), hoarseness/weak cry 10.5% (n = 10). Ninety percentage (n = 94) underwent intervention for management of SGCs with 86% (n = 81) treated with cold steel marsupialisation and 14% (n = 13) with CO ₂ laser. Recurrent cysts occurred in 56% (n = 53) of cases. Treatment modality did not affect recurrence (p = 0.594 ^Δ). Sixty-six percentage (n = 69/105) of patients had one or more concurrent airway pathology at MLB. Most frequent was subglottic stenosis 47% (n = 49), with 16% (n = 8) subsequently requiring open reconstructive airway surgery. Mean duration of follow-up was 47.6 months (SD ± 38.3).

CONCLUSION

SGC are an uncommon, reversible cause of upper airway obstruction and should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses in patients with a history of prematurity and perinatal intubation, presenting with stridor. While concurrent SGS is common, adequate symptom improvement in such cases may be achieved with SGC removal alone. Management is by surgical marsupialisation. Recurrence and additional airway pathologies are common and may necessitate longer-term treatment in centres with paediatric airway expertise.