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Liggett JR, Norris EA, Rush TM, Sicignano NM, Oxner C. The Military Health System: Minimizing Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment. Mil Med 2023; 188:494-502. [PMID: 37948201 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Military Health System (MHS) is a universal health care system, in which health care disparities are theoretically minimized. This study aimed to identify disparities and assess their impact on the initiation of timely treatment for breast cancer within a universally insured population. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the treatment of female breast cancer patients ≥18 years of age within the MHS from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018. Incident breast cancer was defined as ≥2 breast cancer diagnoses without a prior diagnosis of breast cancer during the three continuous years before index diagnosis. Time from index diagnosis to initial treatment was calculated and dichotomized as receiving treatment within a clinically acceptable time course. Poisson regression was used to estimate relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs. RESULTS Among the 30,761 female breast cancer patients identified in the MHS, only 6% of patients had a prolonged time to initial treatment. Time to initial treatment decreased during the study period from a mean (SD) of 63.2 (152.0) days in 2014 to 37.1 (28.8) days in 2018 (P < 0.0001). Age, region, and military characteristics remained significantly associated with receiving timely treatment even after the adjustment of confounders. Patients 70-79 years old were twice as likely as 18-39 years olds to receive timely treatment (RR: 2.0100, 95% CI, 1.52-2.6563, P < 0.0001). Senior officers and their dependents were more likely to receive timely initial treatment compared to junior enlisted patients and their dependents (RR: 1.5956, 95% CI, 1.2119-2.1005, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS There have been significant improvements in the timely initiation of breast cancer treatment within the MHS. However, demographic and socioeconomic disparities can be identified that affect the timely initiation of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily A Norris
- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
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Eaglehouse YL, Shriver CD, Lin J, Bytnar JA, Darmon S, McGlynn KA, Zhu K. MilCanEpi: Increased Capability for Cancer Care Research in the Department of Defense. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2023; 7:e2300035. [PMID: 37582239 PMCID: PMC10569781 DOI: 10.1200/cci.23.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The Military Health System (MHS) of the US Department of Defense (DoD) provides comprehensive medical care to over nine million beneficiaries, including active-duty members, reservists, activated National Guard, military retirees, and their family members. The MHS generates an extensive database containing administrative claims and medical encounter data, while the DoD also maintains a cancer registry that collects information about the occurrence of cancer among its beneficiaries who receive care at military treatment facilities. Collating data from the two sources diminishes the limitations of using registry or medical claims data alone for cancer research and extends their usage. To facilitate cancer research using the unique military health resources, a computer interface linking the two databases has been developed, called Military Cancer Epidemiology, or MilCanEpi. The intent of this article is to provide an overview of the MilCanEpi data system, describing its components, structure, potential uses, and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L. Eaglehouse
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Craig D. Shriver
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jie Lin
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Julie A. Bytnar
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sarah Darmon
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Katherine A. McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Kangmin Zhu
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
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Edmonds MC, Dahman B, Kim SJ, McGuire KP, Sheppard VB. Surveillance Mammography Behaviors in Black and White Breast Cancer Survivors: Behavioral Risk Factors and Surveillance System, 2016. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:148. [PMID: 36997881 PMCID: PMC10061852 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveillance mammography is recommended annually for early detection of disease relapse among breast cancer survivors; yet Black women have poorer national rates of surveillance mammography compared to White women. Factors that influence racial disparities in surveillance mammography rates are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the contribution of health care access, socioeconomic status, and perceived health status on adherence to surveillance mammography among breast cancer survivors. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey among Black and White women ≥ 18 years, who reported a breast cancer diagnosis and completed breast surgery and adjuvant treatment from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System National Survey (BRFSS). Bivariate associations (chi-squared, t-test) for independent variables (e.g., health insurance, marital status) were analyzed with adherence to nationally recommended surveillance guidelines defined as two levels: adherent (received a mammogram in the last 12 months), vs. non- adherent ("received a mammogram in the last 2-5 years, 5 or more years or unsure). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between study variables with adherence, while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Of 963 breast cancer survivors, 91.7% were White women with an average age of 65. 71.7% reported a surveillance mammogram in the last 12 months, while 28.2% did not. Diagnosed > 5 years (p < 0.001); not having a routine checkup visit within 12 months (p = 0.045); and not seeing a doctor when needed due to cost (p = 0.026), were significantly related to survivor's non-adherence to surveillance mammography guidelines. A significant interaction was found between race and residential area (p < 0.001). Compared to White women, Black women living in metropolitan/suburban residential areas were more likely to receive surveillance guidelines (OR:3.77;95% CI: 1.32-10.81); however Black women living in non-metropolitan areas were less likely to receive a surveillance mammogram compared to White women living in non-metropolitan areas (OR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.00-0.50). CONCLUSION Findings from our study further explain the impact of socioeconomic disparities on racial differences in the use of surveillance mammography among breast cancer survivors. Black women living in non-metropolitan counties are an important subgroup for future research and screening and navigation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Edmonds
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 E. 102 St, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sunny Jung Kim
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kandace P McGuire
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Surgery, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Vanessa B Sheppard
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
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Lowry KP, Callaway KA, Lee JM, Zhang F, Ross-Degnan D, Wharam JF, Kerlikowske K, Wernli KJ, Kurian AW, Henderson LM, Stout NK. Trends in Annual Surveillance Mammography Participation Among Breast Cancer Survivors From 2004 to 2016. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2022; 20:379-386.e9. [PMID: 35390766 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.7081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Annual mammography is recommended for breast cancer survivors; however, population-level temporal trends in surveillance mammography participation have not been described. Our objective was to characterize trends in annual surveillance mammography participation among women with a personal history of breast cancer over a 13-year period. METHODS We examined annual surveillance mammography participation from 2004 to 2016 in a nationwide sample of commercially insured women with prior breast cancer. Rates were stratified by age group (40-49 vs 50-64 years), visit with a surgical/oncology specialist or primary care provider within the prior year, and sociodemographic characteristics. Joinpoint models were used to estimate annual percentage changes (APCs) in participation during the study period. RESULTS Among 141,672 women, mammography rates declined from 74.1% in 2004 to 67.1% in 2016. Rates were stable from 2004 to 2009 (APC, 0.1%; 95% CI, -0.5% to 0.8%) but declined 1.5% annually from 2009 to 2016 (95% CI, -1.9% to -1.1%). For women aged 40 to 49 years, rates declined 2.8% annually (95% CI, -3.4% to -2.1%) after 2009 versus 1.4% annually in women aged 50 to 64 years (95% CI, -1.9% to -1.0%). Similar trends were observed in women who had seen a surgeon/oncologist (APC, -1.7%; 95% CI, -2.1% to -1.4%) or a primary care provider (APC, -1.6%; 95% CI, -2.1% to -1.2%) in the prior year. CONCLUSIONS Surveillance mammography participation among breast cancer survivors declined from 2009 to 2016, most notably among women aged 40 to 49 years. These findings highlight a need for focused efforts to improve adherence to surveillance and prevent delays in detection of breast cancer recurrence and second cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P Lowry
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington
| | - Katherine A Callaway
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Janie M Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dennis Ross-Degnan
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - J Frank Wharam
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karla Kerlikowske
- Department of Medicine, and.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Karen J Wernli
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Allison W Kurian
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Louise M Henderson
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
| | - Natasha K Stout
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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DeBenedectis CM, Spalluto LB, Americo L, Bishop C, Mian A, Sarkany D, Kagetsu NJ, Slanetz PJ. Health Care Disparities in Radiology-A Review of the Current Literature. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:101-111. [PMID: 35033297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health care disparities exist in all medical specialties, including radiology. Raising awareness of established health care disparities is a critical component of radiology's efforts to mitigate disparities. Our primary objective is to perform a comprehensive review of the last 10 years of literature pertaining to disparities in radiology care. Our secondary objective is to raise awareness of disparities in radiology. METHODS We reviewed English-language medicine and health services literature from the past 10 years (2010-2020) for research that described disparities in any aspect of radiologic imaging using radiology search terms and key words for disparities in OVID. Relevant studies were identified with adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. RESULTS The search yielded a total 1,890 articles. We reviewed the citations and abstracts with the initial search yielding 1,890 articles (without duplicates). Of these, 1,776 were excluded based on the criteria set forth in the methods. The remaining unique 114 articles were included for qualitative synthesis. DISCUSSION We hope this article increases awareness and inspires action to address disparities and encourages research that further investigates previously identified disparities and explores not-yet-identified disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolynn M DeBenedectis
- Vice-Chair, Education; Director, Radiology Residency Program; Department of Radiology, President-elect, New England Roentgen Ray Society; and Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.
| | - Lucy B Spalluto
- Vice-Chair, Health Equity; Director, Women in Radiology; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Veterans Health Administration-Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Geriatric Research; and Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lisa Americo
- Department of Radiology, Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Casey Bishop
- Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Asim Mian
- Director, Radiology Residency Program; Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David Sarkany
- Director, Radiology Residency Program; Department of Radiology, Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health, Staten Island, New York
| | - Nolan J Kagetsu
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Priscilla J Slanetz
- Vice-Chair, Academic Affairs; Associate Program Director, Radiology Residency Program, Boston Medical Center; President-elect Massachusetts Radiologic Society; Secretary, Association of University Radiologists; Chair, Breast Imaging Panel 2, ACR Appropriateness Guidelines Committee; and Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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Racial-Ethnic Comparison of Guideline-Adherent Gynecologic Cancer Care in an Equal-Access System. Obstet Gynecol 2021; 137:629-640. [PMID: 33706355 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guideline-adherent treatment for gynecologic cancers, inclusive of uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancer, between non-Hispanic White women and racial-ethnic minority women in the equal-access Military Health System. METHODS We accessed MilCanEpi, which links data from the Department of Defense Central Cancer Registry and Military Health System Data Repository administrative claims data, to identify a cohort of women aged 18-79 years who were diagnosed with uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2014. Information on tumor stage, grade, and histology was used to determine which treatment(s) (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) was indicated for each patient according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines during the period of the data (1998-2014). We compared non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and Hispanic women with non-Hispanic White women in their likelihood to receive guideline-adherent treatment using multivariable logistic regression models given as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS The study included 3,354 women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer of whom 68.7% were non-Hispanic White, 15.6% Asian, 9.0% non-Hispanic Black, and 6.7% Hispanic. Overall, 77.8% of patients received guideline-adherent treatment (79.1% non-Hispanic White, 75.9% Asian, 69.3% non-Hispanic Black, and 80.5% Hispanic). Guideline-adherent treatment was similar in Asian compared with non-Hispanic White patients (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 0.84-1.48) or Hispanic compared with non-Hispanic White women (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 0.86-1.96). Non-Hispanic Black patients were marginally less likely to receive guideline-adherent treatment compared with non-Hispanic White women (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.53-1.00, P=.011) and significantly less likely to receive guideline-adherent treatment than either Asian (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.97) or Hispanic patients (aOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34-0.92). CONCLUSION Racial-ethnic differences in guideline-adherent care among patients in the equal-access Military Health System suggest factors other than access to care contributed to the observed disparities.
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Eaglehouse YL, Georg MW, Richard P, Shriver CD, Zhu K. Costs for Colon Cancer Treatment Comparing Benefit Types and Care Sources in the US Military Health System. Mil Med 2020; 184:e847-e855. [PMID: 30941433 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the USA, contributing largely to US healthcare spending. Provision of services (direct or purchased) and insurance benefit type may impact cost for cancer care. As a common cause of cancer in both men and women, we aim to compare colon cancer treatment costs between insurance benefit types and care sources in the US Military Health System (MHS) to better understand whether and to what extent these system factors impact cancer care costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Department of Defense Central Cancer Registry records and MHS Data Repository administrative claims were used to identify MHS beneficiaries aged 18-64 who were diagnosed with primary colon adenocarcinoma and received treatment between 2003 and 2008. The data linkage was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the Defense Health Agency, and the National Institutes of Health. Costs to the MHS for each claim related to cancer treatment were extracted from the linked data and adjusted to 2008 USD. We used quantile regression models to compare median cancer treatment costs between benefit types and care sources (direct, purchased, or both), adjusted for demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics. RESULTS The median per capita (n = 801) costs for colon cancer care were $60,321 (interquartile range $24,625, $159,729) over a median follow-up of 1.7 years. The model-estimated treatment costs were similar between benefit types. Patients using direct care had significantly lower estimated median costs [$34,145 (standard error $4,326)] than patients using purchased care [$106,395 ($10,559)] or both care sources [$82,439 ($13,330)], controlled for patient demographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Differences in cost by care source were noted for patients with later stage tumors and by treatment type. Relative costs were 2-3 times higher for purchased care compared to direct care for patients with late-stage tumors and for patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment. CONCLUSIONS In the MHS, median cost for colon cancer treatment was lower in direct care compared to purchased care or patients using a combination of direct and purchased care. The variation in cancer treatment costs between care sources may be due to differences in treatment incentives or capabilities. Additional studies on cost differences between direct and purchased services are needed to understand how provision of care affects cancer treatment costs and to identify possible targets for cost reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Eaglehouse
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Matthew W Georg
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852
| | - Patrick Richard
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Craig D Shriver
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Kangmin Zhu
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
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Jang M, Hershberger P, Kim S, Collins E, Quinn L, Park C, Ferrans C. Factors Influencing Surveillance Mammography Adherence Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Oncol Nurs Forum 2019; 46:701-714. [DOI: 10.1188/19.onf.701-714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Henderson LM, Ichikawa L, Buist DSM, Lee JM, Bush M, Johnson D, Onega T, Nekhlyudov L, Kerlikowske K, Miglioretti DL, Sprague BL, Wernli KJ. Patterns of Breast Imaging Use Among Women with a Personal History of Breast Cancer. J Gen Intern Med 2019; 34:2098-2106. [PMID: 31410813 PMCID: PMC6816668 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05181-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND National patterns of breast imaging in women with a personal history of breast cancer (PHBC) are unknown making evaluation of annual surveillance recommendations a challenge. OBJECTIVE To describe variation in use of mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations beginning 6 months after diagnosis among women with PHBC in US community practice. We report on the breast imaging indication, imaging intervals, and time since breast cancer diagnosis by examination type. DESIGN Longitudinal study using cross-sectional data. SETTING Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium breast imaging facilities. PARTICIPANTS 19,955 women diagnosed between 2005 and 2012 with AJCC stage 0-III incident breast cancer who had 69,386 mammograms and 3,553 breast MRI examinations from January 2005 to September 2013; median follow-up of 37.6 months (interquartile range, 22.1-60.7). MAIN MEASURES Breast imaging indication, imaging intervals, and time since breast cancer diagnosis by examination type. KEY RESULTS Among women with a PHBC who received breast imaging, 89.4% underwent mammography alone, 0.8% MRI alone, and 10.3% had both mammography and MRI. About half of mammograms and MRIs were indicated for surveillance vs. diagnostic, with an increase in the proportion of surveillance exams as time from diagnosis increased (mammograms, 45.7% at 1 year to 72.2% after 5 years; MRIs, 54.8% at 1 year to 78.6% after 5 years). In the first post-diagnosis period, 32.8% of women had > 2 breast imaging examinations and of these, 65.8% were less than 6 months apart. During the first 5-year post-diagnosis, the frequency of examinations per year decreased and the interval between examinations shifted towards annual examinations. CONCLUSION In women with a PHBC who received post-diagnosis imaging, a third underwent multiple breast imaging examinations per year during the first 2-year post-diagnosis despite recommendations for annual exams. As time since diagnosis increases, imaging indication shifts from diagnostic to surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Henderson
- Department of Radiology, The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill NC, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7515, USA.
| | - Laura Ichikawa
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Diana S M Buist
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Janie M Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mary Bush
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dianne Johnson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tracy Onega
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Karla Kerlikowske
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Diana L Miglioretti
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brian L Sprague
- Department of Surgery, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Karen J Wernli
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Eaglehouse YL, Manjelievskaia J, Shao S, Brown D, Hofmann K, Richard P, Shriver CD, Zhu K. Costs for Breast Cancer Care in the Military Health System: An Analysis by Benefit Type and Care Source. Mil Med 2018; 183:e500-e508. [DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usy052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L Eaglehouse
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD
| | - Janna Manjelievskaia
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD
| | - Stephanie Shao
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD
| | - Derek Brown
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD
| | - Keith Hofmann
- Kennell and Associates, Inc., 3130 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 450, Falls Church, VA
| | - Patrick Richard
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD
| | - Craig D Shriver
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kangmin Zhu
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD
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11
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Manjelievskaia J, Brown D, Shao S, Hofmann K, Shriver CD, Zhu K. Breast Cancer Treatment and Survival Among Department of Defense Beneficiaries: An Analysis by Benefit Type and Care Source. Mil Med 2018; 183:e186-e195. [PMID: 29365174 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usx031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Use of treatment for breast cancer is dependent on the patient's cancer characteristics and willingness to undergo treatment and provider treatment recommendations. Receipt of breast cancer treatment varies by insurance status and type. It is not clear whether different benefit types and care sources differ in breast cancer treatment and outcomes among Department of Defense beneficiaries. Methods The objectives of this study are to assess whether receipt of breast cancer treatment varied by benefit type (TRICARE Prime vs non-Prime) or care source (direct care, purchased care, and both) and to examine whether survival and recurrence differed by benefit type and/or care source among female Department of Defense beneficiaries with the disease. Study subjects were women aged 40-64 yr, diagnosed with malignant breast cancer between 2003 and 2007. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the likelihood of receiving treatment by benefit type or care source. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate differences in survival and recurrence by benefit type or care source. Findings A total of 2,668 women were included in this study. Those with Prime were more likely to have chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, breast-conserving surgery, surveillance mammography, and recurrence than women with non-Prime. Survival was high, with 94.86% of those with Prime and 92.58% with non-Prime alive at the end of the study period. Women aged 50-59 yr with non-Prime benefit type had better survival than women with Prime of the same age. No survival differences were seen by care source. In regard to recurrence, women aged 60-64 yr with TRICARE Prime were more likely to have recurrent breast cancer than women with non-Prime. Additionally, women aged 50-59 yr who used purchased care were less likely to have a recurrence than women who used direct care only. Discussion/Impact/Recommendations To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine breast cancer treatment and survival by care source and benefit type in the Military Health System. In this equal access health care system, no differences in treatment, except mastectomy, by benefit type, were observed. There were no overall differences in survival, although patients with non-Prime tended to have better survival in the age group of 50-59 yr. In regard to care source, women who utilized mostly purchased care or utilized both direct and purchased care were more likely to receive certain types of treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation, as compared with women who used direct care only. However, survival did not differ between different care sources. Future research is warranted to further investigate variations in breast cancer treatment and its survival gains by benefit type and care source among Department of Defense beneficiaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Manjelievskaia
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville,MD 20852
| | - Derek Brown
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville,MD 20852
| | - Stephanie Shao
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Keith Hofmann
- Kennell and Associates, Inc., 3130 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 450, Falls Church,VA 22042
| | - Craig D Shriver
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Kangmin Zhu
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 1120, Rockville, MD 20852.,Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
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The continuum of breast cancer care and outcomes in the U.S. Military Health System: an analysis by benefit type and care source. J Cancer Surviv 2018; 12:407-416. [PMID: 29455447 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-018-0680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigates transition rates between breast cancer diagnosis, recurrence, and death by insurance benefit type and care source in U.S. Military Health System (MHS). METHODS The MHS data repository and central cancer registry linked data were used to identify women aged 40-64 with histologically confirmed breast cancer between 2003 and 2007. Three-state continuous time Markov models were used to estimate transition rates and transition rate ratios (TRRs) by TRICARE benefit type (Prime or non-Prime) and care source (direct, purchased, or both), adjusted for demographic, tumor, and treatment variables. RESULTS Analyses included 2668 women with transitions from diagnosis to recurrence (n = 832), recurrence to death (n = 79), and diagnosis to death without recurrence (n = 91). Compared to women with Prime within each care source, women with non-Prime using both care sources had higher transition rates (TRR 1.47, 95% CI 1.03, 2.10). Compared to those using direct care within each benefit type, women utilizing both care sources with non-Prime had higher transition rates (TRR 1.86, 95% CI 1.11, 3.13), while women with Prime utilizing purchased care had lower transition rates (TRR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS In the MHS, women with non-Prime benefit plans compared to Prime had higher transition rates along the breast cancer continuum among both care source users. Purchased care users had lower transition rates than direct care users among Prime beneficiaries. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Benefit plan and care source may be associated with breast cancer progression. Further research is needed to demonstrate differences in survivorship.
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13
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The Challenges of Screening Mammography in Racial/Ethnic Minority Populations in the United States: A mini-review and observations from a predominantly Hispanic community. JOURNAL OF CANCER TREATMENT & DIAGNOSIS 2018; 2:16-20. [PMID: 30112517 PMCID: PMC6089539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Screening mammography is recommended by U.S. medical organizations for breast cancer screening in average risk women because of its demonstrated reductions in breast cancer mortality. However, significant disparities in breast cancer screening utilization and mortality remain among racial/ethnic minorities. Efforts have appropriately been directed at increasing engagement with screening services in these populations, however, there is a dearth of data regarding false-positive rates and overdiagnosis in minority patients engaged in breast cancer screening. We recently examined screening practices among a predominantly Hispanic population presenting to an academic medical center in New York, NY, and found that approximately 53% of women experienced at least one false-positive mammography result over a median of 8.9 years of screening. We also observed that Hispanic women were more likely to screen annually than white women despite recommendations to screen less frequently. In this review, we briefly review the benefits and harms of screening mammography in average-risk women, namely, false-positive results and breast cancer overdiagnosis, followed by a discussion of the disparities in breast cancer screening and mortality among racial/ethnic minority populations. We then present our own recent observations and propose that future interventions among Hispanic and other minority populations could include patient- and provider-centered educational programs that focus on providing a balanced discussion of benefits and harms of screening mammography.
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14
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Shao S, Gill AA, Zahm SH, Jatoi I, Shriver CD, McGlynn KA, Zhu K. Diabetes and Overall Survival among Breast Cancer Patients in the U.S. Military Health System. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017; 27:50-57. [PMID: 29097445 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-17-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although research suggests that type II diabetes mellitus (DM-2) is associated with overall and breast cancer-specific decreased survival, most prior studies of breast cancer survival investigated the effect of preexisting DM-2 without assessing the effect of DM-2 diagnosed at or after breast cancer diagnosis. This study examined the relationship between DM-2 diagnosed before and after breast cancer diagnosis and overall survival.Methods: This study uses linked Department of Defense cancer registry and medical claims data from 9,398 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1998 and 2007. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between DM-2 and overall survival.Results: Our analyses showed that women with DM-2 diagnosed before breast cancer diagnosis tended to have a higher risk of mortality compared with women without diabetes [HR = 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95-1.44] after adjustment for potential confounders. Similarly, patients diagnosed with DM-2 at or after breast cancer diagnosis had increased mortality compared with women without DM-2 (HR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.16-1.66). The similar tendency was also observed among most subgroups when results were stratified by race, menopausal status, obesity, tumor hormone receptor status, and stage.Conclusions: Using data from a health system that provides universal health care to its beneficiaries, this study showed an increased risk of death associated with DM-2, regardless of whether it was diagnosed before or at/after breast cancer diagnosis.Impact: These results suggest the potential effects of factors independent of the timing of DM-2 clinical diagnosis on the association of DM-2 with overall survival. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(1); 50-57. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Shao
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Abegail A Gill
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shelia H Zahm
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ismail Jatoi
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Craig D Shriver
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.,General Surgery Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.,Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Kangmin Zhu
- John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland. .,Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
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15
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A Prognostic Model to Predict Mortality among Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients in the U.S. Military Health System. J Thorac Oncol 2016; 10:1694-702. [PMID: 26473644 DOI: 10.1097/jto.0000000000000691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accurate prognosis assessment after non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis is an essential step for making effective clinical decisions. This study is aimed to develop a prediction model with routinely available variables to assess prognosis in patients with NSCLC in the U.S. Military Health System. METHODS We used the linked database from the Department of Defense's Central Cancer Registry and the Military Health System Data Repository. The data set was randomly and equally split into a training set to guide model development and a testing set to validate the model prediction. Stepwise Cox regression was used to identify predictors of survival. Model performance was assessed by calculating area under the receiver operating curves and construction of calibration plots. A simple risk scoring system was developed to aid quick risk score calculation and risk estimation for NSCLC clinical management. RESULTS The study subjects were 5054 patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 1998 and 2007. Age, sex, tobacco use, tumor stage, histology, surgery, chemotherapy, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus were identified as significant predictors of survival. Calibration showed high agreement between predicted and observed event rates. The area under the receiver operating curves reached 0.841, 0.849, 0.848, and 0.838 during 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This is the first NSCLC prognosis model for quick risk assessment within the Military Health System. After external validation, the model can be translated into clinical use both as a web-based tool and through mobile applications easily accessible to physicians, patients, and researchers.
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16
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Costantino NS, Freeman B, Shriver CD, Ellsworth RE. Outcome Disparities in African American Compared with European American Women with ER+HER2- Tumors Treated within an Equal-Access Health Care System. Ethn Dis 2016; 26:407-16. [PMID: 27440982 DOI: 10.18865/ed.26.3.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer mortality rates are higher for African American women (AAW) than for any other ethnic group in the United States. Recent reports suggest that outcome disparities between AAW and European American women (EAW) are present in the ER+HER2- subtype. To improve our understanding, pathological characteristics, mortality and molecular profiles from women treated within an equal-access health care system were evaluated. PROCEDURES All AAW (n=90) and EAW (n=308) with ER+HER2- tumors were identified. Gene expression profiles were generated from primary breast tumors from 57 AAW and 181 EAW. Pathological characteristics, survival and gene expression analysis were evaluated using chi-square analysis, log-rank tests and ANOVA. RESULTS Tumors from AAW were significantly more likely to be PR-, Ki67+ and of higher grade. Tumor stage, size and lymph node status did not differ significantly, nor did mortality rates (P=.879). At the molecular level, genes PSPHL and CRYBB2P1 were expressed at significantly higher levels in tumor tissues as well as normal stroma and blood from AAW. Polymorphisms controlling expression of each gene were identified with minor allele frequencies differing significantly between populations but not between cases and controls within each population. CONCLUSIONS Survival disparities were not detected in patients with ER+HER2- tumors treated within an equal-access health care system and molecular differences in tumors were not causal. Thus, outcome disparities in AAW with ER+HER2- tumors are largely attributable to socioeconomic factors affecting access to screening and treatment, rather than reflecting underlying biological differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Freeman
- Clinical Breast Care Project, Murtha Cancer Center, Bethesda, Md
| | - Craig D Shriver
- Clinical Breast Care Project, Murtha Cancer Center, Bethesda, Md
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17
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Rizzo JA, Sherman WE, Arciero CA. Racial disparity in survival from early breast cancer in the department of defense healthcare system. J Surg Oncol 2015; 111:819-23. [DOI: 10.1002/jso.23884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Rizzo
- U.S. Institute of Surgical Research; Fort Sam Houston Texas
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18
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Liu Y, Colditz GA, Gehlert S, Goodman M. Racial disparities in risk of second breast tumors after ductal carcinoma in situ. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 148:163-73. [PMID: 25261293 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-3151-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of race/ethnicity on second breast tumors among women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We identified 102,489 women diagnosed with primary DCIS between 1988 and 2009 from the 18 NCI-SEER Registries. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate race/ethnicity-associated relative risks (RRs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of ipsilateral breast tumors (IBT; defined as DCIS or invasive carcinoma in the ipsilateral breast) and contralateral breast tumors (CBT; defined as DCIS or invasive carcinoma in the contralateral breast). Overall, 2,925 women had IBT and 3,723 had CBT. Compared with white women, black (RR 1.46; 95 % CI 1.29-1.65), and Hispanic (RR 1.18; 95 % CI 1.03-1.36) women had higher IBT risk, which was similar for invasive IBT and ipsilateral DCIS. A significant increase in IBT risk among black women persisted, regardless of age at diagnosis, treatment, tumor grade, tumor size, and histology. The CBT risk was significantly increased among black (RR 1.21; 95 % CI 1.08-1.36) and Asian/PI (RR 1.16; 95 % CI 1.02-1.31) women compared with white women. The association was stronger for invasive CBT among black women and for contralateral DCIS among Asian/PI women (P heterogeneity < 0.0001). The black race-associated CBT risk was more pronounced among women ≥50 years at diagnosis and those with comedo DCIS; in contrast, a significant increase in risk among Asian/PI women was restricted to those <50 years and those with noncomedo DCIS. Racial/ethnic differences in risks of second breast tumors after DCIS could not be explained by pathologic features and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8100, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA,
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