Perceived discrimination, trust in physicians, and prolonged symptom duration before ovarian cancer diagnosis in the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study

Race and ethnicity and self-reported racial/ethnic discrimination in breast cancer patient interactions with providers in the Pathways Study

PURPOSE

To examine the association of race and ethnicity groups with self-reported racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions during the diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Pathways Study, a prospective cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer from 2006-2013 in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Health Care System. Racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions was assessed with two questions from the Interpersonal Processes of Care survey at baseline and 6-months and 24-months post-diagnosis. Logistic regression was performed to compare women who self-identified as racial or ethnic minorities with Non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. Covariates included age at diagnosis, country of origin, education level, income, marital status, and medical provider's race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Our sample included 1836 participants: 1350 NHW women and 486 women (87 Black, 208 Asian American, 153 Hispanic, 38 American Indian/Alaskan Native/Pacific Islander [AIANPI]) from racial or ethnic minority groups. In multivariate analysis, minority women were more likely to report racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions than NHW women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.45-6.50). Specifically, Black women were most likely to self-report racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions (aOR: 9.65; 95% CI 5.92-15.70), followed by Asian (aOR: 5.39; 95% CI 3.46-8.40), Hispanic (aOR: 2.55; 95% CI 1.54-4.14), and AIANPI (aOR: 1.74; 95% CI 0.58-4.25) women, compared with NHW women.

CONCLUSION

Racial/ethnic discrimination was more likely self-reported from minority women diagnosed with breast cancer. Additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms and impact of racial/ethnic discrimination in patient-provider interactions on disparities.

Diagnostic experiences of Black and White patients with uterine cancer: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To explore patient experiences with the diagnosis process for uterine cancer and the perceived barriers that may affect early diagnosis and racial disparities in stage at diagnosis.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews to ascertain the diagnostic journey of 11 non-Hispanic Black ("Black") and 11 non-Hispanic White ("White") patients who were diagnosed with uterine cancer in the past six months. All interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings were presented to patients and community advocates for critical review and feedback before being finalized.

RESULTS

Respondents had a median age of 64 years. Thirteen (59.1 %) had stage I tumor, whereas nine (40.9 %) had stage II-IV disease. Respondents were attentive to their symptoms but unaware that they could indicate uterine cancer. This was compounded by women's conditioned acceptance of discomfort and disconnection from gynecological care after reproductive age. Respondents often viewed racial disparities in diagnosis through other social determinants of health, including gender, age, and healthcare access. These overlapping social experiences, coupled with respondents' concentration on recovery, may mask their perceptions about systemic racism. Although few respondents noted negative experiences in their own evaluations leading to the diagnosis of uterine cancer, Black respondents often described how previous discriminatory experiences informed a wariness of healthcare systems.

CONCLUSION

Lack of public awareness of uterine cancer, gendered expectations for discomfort, and disconnection from gynecologic care all interfered with early diagnosis of uterine cancer. Discriminatory experiences in prior healthcare further complicate Black patients' engagement with the healthcare system.

A Systematic Review of Interpersonal Interactions Related to Racism in Studies Assessing Breast and Gynecological Cancer Health Outcomes Among Black Women

OBJECTIVE

To identify how studies measure racism-related variables at the interpersonal level and identify associated breast and gynecological cancer disparities among Black women.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Scopus using terms centered on racism and cancer. Inclusion criteria consisted of the study being conducted in the USA with Black or African American women and the study stating an outcome or focus identified as a breast or gynecological cancer health disparity. Two researchers independently screened titles and abstracts and full texts articles and completed quality assessments of included studies. Data were extracted into a matrix table, and common concepts were identified and synthesized using the matrix method. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies that examined the effect of racism-related variables operating at the interpersonal level on breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer outcomes in Black women were identified for inclusion. Across studies, racism-related variables were measured as discrimination, trust, racism, and clinician-patient interactions. Additionally, across studies, disparities were identified in cancer screening, treatment received, survivorship quality of life, and incidence.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the need for valid, reliable, and consistent measurement of racism operating at the interpersonal level to first understand its impact on cancer health disparities and to also facilitate the development and evaluation of interventions aimed at mitigating interpersonal-level racism.

Particles and Prejudice: Nanomedicine Approaches to Reducing Health Disparities in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy worldwide and unfortunately has a much higher mortality rate in Black women compared with White women. Many potential factors contribute to these mortality rates, including the underlying effects of systemic and interpersonal racism. Furthermore, other trends in medicine have potential links to these rates including participation in clinical trials, hormone therapy, and pre-existing health conditions. Addressing the high incidence and disparate mortality rates in endometrial cancer requires novel methods, such as nanoparticle-based therapeutics. These therapeutics have been growing in increasing prevalence in pre-clinical development and have far-reaching implications in cancer therapy. The rigor of pre-clinical studies is enhanced by the likeness of the model to the human body. In systems for 3D cell culture, for example, the extracellular matrix mimics the tumor more closely. The increasing emphasis on precision medicine can be applied to cancer using nanoparticle-based methods and applied to pre-clinical models by using patient-derived model data. This review highlights the intersections of nanomedicine, precision medicine, and racial disparities within endometrial cancer and provides insights into reducing health disparities using recent scientific advances on the nanoscale.

Elucidating the influences of social determinants of health on perceived overall health among African American/Black and Hispanic ovarian cancer survivors using the NIH All of Us Research Program

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influences of social determinants of health (SDOH) on perceived health and well-being among African American (AA)/Black and Hispanic ovarian cancer survivors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using overall health and SDOH survey data collected by the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program from May 2017 to September 2023.

RESULTS

While 1250 enrolled participants with ovarian cancer met the inclusion criteria, 414 (33%) completed SDOH surveys: 29 (7%) AA/Black, 33 (8%) Hispanic, and 352 (85%) White. In the ordinal logistic regression models, for every unit increase in the SDOH neighborhood characteristics score, the odds of having a poor perception of general health decreased by 0.96 times. For every unit increase in the SDOH day-to-day discrimination score, the odds of having a poor perception of general health, general mental health, social satisfaction decreased by 0.95, 0.94 and 0.93 times respectively. For every unit increase in the SDOH food and housing security score, the odds of having a poor perception of general health decreased by 0.57 times. Compared to White ovarian cancer survivors, AA/Black and Hispanic ovarian cancer survivors were significantly more likely to have a poor perception of general health, general mental health, and social satisfaction even when adjusting for these SDOH.

CONCLUSIONS

Unfavorable SDOH conditions negatively influence the overall perception of health. These findings signal an urgency for healthcare professionals and scientists to partner together with local communities in designing feasible and imaginative interventions to overcome cancer care disparities in an equitable manner.

Neighborhood-level deprivation and survival in lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite recent advances in lung cancer therapeutics and improving overall survival, disparities persist among socially disadvantaged populations. This study aims to determine the effects of neighborhood deprivation indices (NDI) on lung cancer mortality. This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study assessing the relationship between NDI and overall survival adjusted for age, disease stage, and DNA methylation among biopsy-proven lung cancer patients. State-specific NDI for each year of sample collection were computed at the U.S. census tract level and dichotomized into low- and high-deprivation.

RESULTS

A total of 173 non small lung cancer patients were included, with n = 85 (49%) and n = 88 (51%) in the low and high-deprivation groups, respectively. NDI was significantly higher among Black patients when compared with White patients (p = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between DNA methylation and stage for HOXA7, SOX17, ZFP42, HOXA9, CDO1 and TAC1. Only HOXA7 DNA methylation was positively correlated with NDI. The high-deprivation group had a statistically significant shorter survival than the low-deprivation group (p = 0.02). After adjusting for age, race, stage, and DNA methylation status, belonging to the high-deprivation group was associated with higher mortality with a hazard ratio of 1.81 (95%CI: 1.03-3.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased neighborhood-level deprivation may be associated with liquid biopsy DNA methylation, shorter survival, and increased mortality. Changes in health care policies that consider neighborhood-level indices of socioeconomic deprivation may enable a more equitable increase in lung cancer survival.

African American and Hispanic Cancer Survivors' and Caregivers' Experiences in Nebraska

Racial and ethnic minority populations experience poorer cancer outcomes compared to non-Hispanic White populations, but qualitative studies have typically focused on single subpopulations. We explored experiences, perceptions, and attitudes toward cancer care services across the care continuum from screening through treatment among African American and Hispanic residents of Nebraska to identify unique needs for education, community outreach, and quality improvement. We conducted four focus groups (N = 19), April-August 2021 with people who were aged 30 or older and who self-identified as African American or Hispanic and as cancer survivors or caregivers. Sessions followed a structured facilitation guide, were audio recorded and transcribed, and were analyzed with a directed content analysis approach. Historical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors often led to delayed cancer care, such as general disuse of healthcare until symptoms were severe due to mistrust and cost of missing work. Obstacles to care included financial barriers, transportation, lack of support groups, and language-appropriate services (for Hispanic groups). Knowledge of cancer and cancer prevention varied widely; we identified a need for better community education about cancer within the urban Hispanic community. Participants had positive experiences and a sense of hope from the cancer care team. African American and Hispanic participants shared many similar perspectives about cancer care. Our results are being used in collaboration with national and regional cancer support organizations to expand their reach in communities of color, but structural and cultural barriers still need to be addressed.

Perceived discrimination and quality of life for African American and Caucasian American cancer patients: a coping mediation analysis of subtle and overt microaggressions

OBJECTIVE

Perceived discrimination (PD; e.g. racism, agism, sexism, etc.) negatively impacts quality of life (QOL) among cancer patients. Prior research has established that for African American Cancer Patients (AACPs) only disengagement/denial coping mediated the PD-QOL relationship. In contrast, for Caucasian American Cancer Patients (CACPs), both agentic and disengagement/denial coping were mediators of the PD-QOL relationship. However, according to social constraint theory there may be a difference between subtle and overt PD in terms of the utility of certain coping mechanisms in relation to QOL, especially for AACPs.

METHOD

217 AACPs and 121 CACPs completed measures of PD, coping (agentic, disengagement/denial, adaptive disengagement) and QOL. PD items were classified as subtle or overt microaggressions. PD was mainly attributed to race/ethnicity by AACPs and to income, age, and physical appearance for CACPs.

RESULTS

: In both subtle and overt microaggression models with CACPs, agentic coping and disengagement/denial coping were significant mediators of PD-QOL. Like CACPs, for AACPs, agentic and disengagement/denial coping were significant in the context of subtle microaggressions. In contrast, for overt microaggression only disengagement/denial coping was a significant mediator of the PD-QOL relationship for AACPs. Adaptive disengagement was related to QOL only for AACPs.

CONCLUSIONS

: Whereas more research is needed, it appears that overt microaggressions for AACPs, that consist mainly of racial and ethnic maltreatment, constitute a class of social contexts that may raise above the threshold for serious threat and harm, and, as a result, disengagement/constraint may reduce negative consequences. This additional burden for AACPs contributes to disparities in QOL. Future research is needed on the utility of adaptive disengagement for AACPs in relation to PD.

Healthcare access dimensions and uterine cancer survival: a national cancer database study

Objective

Disparities exist throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survival for Black patients with uterine cancer. There is limited data on how several healthcare access (HCA) dimensions contribute to these disparities in patients with advanced stage uterine cancer.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we identified patients aged 40-89 years with Stage III-IV uterine cancer between 2004-2015 who received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Race/ethnicity were classified as non-Hispanic (NH)-Black, Hispanic, and NH-White. Variables defined in the NCDB were used to assess HCA affordability, availability, and accessibility. Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze overall survival.

Results

Of 43,134 patients, 78.8% of the cohort identified as NH-White, 15.3% NH-Black, and 5.9% Hispanic. NH-Black patients were the most likely to have type II (75.6% vs. 53.9% and 55.4%) and stage IV (40.8% vs. 30.7% and 32.3%) disease compared to NH-White and Hispanic patients. NH-Black patients were more likely than NH-White and Hispanic patients to have government funded insurance (58.6% vs. 50.3% and 50.4%), live in low-income areas (46.4% vs. 14.2% and 29.9%), and receive only chemotherapy (53.5% vs. 43.1% and 46.2%). Having private insurance and receiving treatment at an academic facility were positive predictors of survival. NH-Black patients had worse survival than NH-White patients after adjusting for clinical characteristics and healthcare access dimensions (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.24, 1.34).

Conclusion

While HCA affordability and availability predicted survival in patients with advanced stage uterine cancer, additional factors contribute to racial disparities. Compared to NH-White patients, NH-Black patients had more aggressive disease, received only chemotherapy rather than combined therapy, and had worse survival regardless of cancer subtype. Additional dimensions of healthcare access must be explored to remedy uterine cancer disparities.

Health-care access dimensions and ovarian cancer survival: SEER-Medicare analysis of the ORCHiD study

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic disparities in ovarian cancer (OC) survival are well-documented. However, few studies have investigated how health-care access (HCA) contributes to these disparities.

METHODS

To evaluate the influence of HCA on OC mortality, we analyzed 2008-2015 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between HCA dimensions (affordability, availability, accessibility) and OC-specific and all-cause mortality, adjusting for patient characteristics and treatment receipt.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 7590 OC patients: 454 (6.0%) Hispanic, 501 (6.6%) Non-Hispanic (NH) Black, and 6635 (87.4%) NH White. Higher affordability (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.87 to 0.94), availability (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92 to 0.99), and accessibility scores (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.87 to 0.99) were associated with lower risk of OC mortality after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Racial disparities were observed after additional adjustment for these HCA dimensions: NH Black patients experienced a 26% higher risk of OC mortality compared with NH White patients (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.43) and a 45% higher risk among patients who survived at least 12 months (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.16 to 1.81).

CONCLUSIONS

HCA dimensions are statistically significantly associated with mortality after OC and explain some, but not all, of the observed racial disparity in survival of patients with OC. Although equalizing access to quality health care remains critical, research on other HCA dimensions is needed to determine additional factors contributing to disparate OC outcomes by race and ethnicity and advance the field toward health equity.

Survival of epithelial ovarian cancer in Black women: a society to cell approach in the African American cancer epidemiology study (AACES)

PURPOSE

The causes for the survival disparity among Black women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are likely multi-factorial. Here we describe the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study (AACES), the largest cohort of Black women with EOC.

METHODS

AACES phase 2 (enrolled 2020 onward) is a multi-site, population-based study focused on overall survival (OS) of EOC. Rapid case ascertainment is used in ongoing patient recruitment in eight U.S. states, both northern and southern. Data collection is composed of a survey, biospecimens, and medical record abstraction. Results characterizing the survival experience of the phase 1 study population (enrolled 2010-2015) are presented.

RESULTS

Thus far, ~ 650 patients with EOC have been enrolled in the AACES. The five-year OS of AACES participants approximates those of Black women in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry who survive at least 10-month past diagnosis and is worse compared to white women in SEER, 49 vs. 60%, respectively. A high proportion of women in AACES have low levels of household income (45% < $25,000 annually), education (51% ≤ high school education), and insurance coverage (32% uninsured or Medicaid). Those followed annually differ from those without follow-up with higher levels of localized disease (28 vs 24%) and higher levels of optimal debulking status (73 vs 67%).

CONCLUSION

AACES is well positioned to evaluate the contribution of social determinants of health to the poor survival of Black women with EOC and advance understanding of the multi-factorial causes of the ovarian cancer survival disparity in Black women.

Barriers and facilitators to the engagement of physical activity among Black and African American cancer survivors during and after treatments

PURPOSE

To identify physical activity (PA) barriers and facilitators among Black and African American (Black/AA) cancer survivors that should be considered in future PA intervention development for this population.

METHODS

A community advisory board (CAB) of Black/AA cancer survivors and patient advocates guided in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 19) that were completed via telephone using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using directed content analysis to detail a report of PA barriers and facilitators during and after cancer treatment. The CAB reviewed and interpreted these barriers and facilitators to identify the final results.

RESULTS

Survivors (n = 19) of nine different types of cancer completed interviews. PA barriers during cancer treatments included physical and psychological suffering. PA barriers after cancer treatments included social and environmental constraints (e.g., lack of access needed for PA, safety concerns, and competing priorities). PA facilitators both during and after cancer treatments included family support, faith, and support from other survivors. PA facilitators during treatment also included feeling better after doing PA, setting realistic and flexible goals, and gaining a sense of control of one's health by striving for PA goals.

CONCLUSIONS

To increase PA among Black/AA cancer survivors, PA interventions are needed that address structural barriers, include the role of faith, leverage family support, highlight the psychological benefits of PA, and use goal setting.

Healthcare Access Dimensions and Guideline-Concordant Ovarian Cancer Treatment: SEER-Medicare Analysis of the ORCHiD Study

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities exist in receipt of guideline-concordant treatment of ovarian cancer (OC). However, few studies have evaluated how various dimensions of healthcare access (HCA) contribute to these disparities.

METHODS

We analyzed data from non-Hispanic (NH)-Black, Hispanic, and NH-White patients with OC diagnosed in 2008 to 2015 from the SEER-Medicare database and defined HCA dimensions as affordability, availability, and accessibility, measured as aggregate scores created with factor analysis. Receipt of guideline-concordant OC surgery and chemotherapy was defined based on the NCCN Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer. Multivariable-adjusted modified Poisson regression models were used to assess the relative risk (RR) for guideline-concordant treatment in relation to HCA.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 5,632 patients: 6% NH-Black, 6% Hispanic, and 88% NH-White. Only 23.8% of NH-White patients received guideline-concordant surgery and the full cycles of chemotherapy versus 14.2% of NH-Black patients. Higher affordability (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08) and availability (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10) were associated with receipt of guideline-concordant surgery, whereas higher affordability was associated with initiation of systemic therapy (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.13). After adjusting for all 3 HCA scores and demographic and clinical characteristics, NH-Black patients remained less likely than NH-White patients to initiate systemic therapy (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple HCA dimensions predict receipt of guideline-concordant treatment but do not fully explain racial disparities among patients with OC. Acceptability and accommodation are 2 additional HCA dimensions which may be critical to addressing these disparities.

Antiracist symptom science: A call to action and path forward

Nurse scientists recognize the experience of racism as a driving force behind health. However, symptom science, a pillar of nursing, has rarely considered contributions of racism. Our objective is to describe findings within symptom science research related to racial disparities and/or experiences of racism and to promote antiracist symptom science within nursing research. In this manuscript, we use an antiracist lens to review a predominant symptom science theory and literature in three areas of symptom science research-oncology, mental health, and perinatal health. Finally, we make recommendations for increasing antiracist research in symptom science by altering (a) research questions, (b) recruitment methods, (c) study design, (d) data analysis, and (e) dissemination of findings. Traditionally, symptom science focuses on individual level factors rather than broader contexts driving symptom experience and management. We urge symptom science researchers to embrace antiracism by designing research with the specific intent of dismantling racism at multiple levels.

Using Shopping Data to Improve the Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer: Survey Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Shopping data can be analyzed using machine learning techniques to study population health. It is unknown if the use of such methods can successfully investigate prediagnosis purchases linked to self-medication of symptoms of ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to gain new domain knowledge from women's experiences, understand how women's shopping behavior relates to their pathway to the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and inform research on computational analysis of shopping data for population health.

METHODS

A web-based survey on individuals' shopping patterns prior to an ovarian cancer diagnosis was analyzed to identify key knowledge about health care purchases. Logistic regression and random forest models were employed to statistically examine how products linked to potential symptoms related to presentation to health care and timing of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of the 101 women surveyed with ovarian cancer, 58.4% (59/101) bought nonprescription health care products for up to more than a year prior to diagnosis, including pain relief and abdominal products. General practitioner advice was the primary reason for the purchases (23/59, 39%), with 51% (30/59) occurring due to a participant's doctor believing their health problems were due to a condition other than ovarian cancer. Associations were shown between purchases made because a participant's doctor believing their health problems were due to a condition other than ovarian cancer and the following variables: health problems for longer than a year prior to diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 7.33, 95% CI 1.58-33.97), buying health care products for more than 6 months to a year (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.04-13.98) or for more than a year (OR 7.64, 95% CI 1.38-42.33), and the number of health care product types purchased (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.13-2.11). Purchasing patterns are shown to be potentially predictive of a participant's doctor thinking their health problems were due to some condition other than ovarian cancer, with nested cross-validation of random forest classification models achieving an overall in-sample accuracy score of 89.1% and an out-of-sample score of 70.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Women in the survey were 7 times more likely to have had a duration of more than a year of health problems prior to a diagnosis of ovarian cancer if they were self-medicating based on advice from a doctor rather than having made the decision to self-medicate independently. Predictive modelling indicates that women in such situations, who are self-medicating because their doctor believes their health problems may be due to a condition other than ovarian cancer, exhibit distinct shopping behaviors that may be identifiable within purchasing data. Through exploratory research combining women sharing their behaviors prior to diagnosis and computational analysis of these data, this study demonstrates that women's shopping data could potentially be useful for early ovarian cancer detection.

A conceptual model of vulnerability to care delay among women at risk for endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

Care delay may allow for cancer progression prior to treatment initiation. However, in endometrial cancer, quantitative data to support this hypothesis is mixed. Factors that cuase delay prior to clinical presentation are present among Black women, however the whether and how they present among White women, and thus how they may drive racial disparity is unknown.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, from June 2019 to March 2020, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews among 17 White women with EC (34-73 years), living in the Northwest (11), West (2), Midwest (1), Southwest (1), and Northeast (2) U.S. regions, including six with high-risk and/or advanced stage endometrial cancer. An exploratory and descriptive content analysis was performed using iterative rounds of inductive coding, case summaries, and additional interviews to confirm emergent themes, followed by synthetic analysis of themes from a prior qualitative study conducted among Black women, which we analyzed for overlap and distinctions.

RESULTS

There were critical points of overlap and distinction between Black and White women in four delay factors identified: menopause and endometrial cancer knowledge, prior negative healthcare experiences, prior/concurrent reproductive conditions, and healthcare provider response. Conceptualizing the care journey as a circular path demonstrates the potential for accumulation of delay that is dependent on underlying risk.

CONCLUSION

We have identified four areas of vulnerability that are often unrecognized and difficult to assess in quantitative investigations of overall quality and co-occurring disparities in endometrial cancer care. With the addition of epidemiologic risk, we present a unified model of vulnerability to care delay in endometrial cancer that can be applied to future quantitative studies and ongoing clinical care.

Marginalized patient identities and the patient-physician relationship in the cancer care context: a systematic scoping review

PURPOSE

We sought to examine and categorize the current evidence on patient-physician relationships among marginalized patient populations within the context of cancer care using a systemic scoping review approach.

METHODS

Web-based discovery services (e.g., Google Scholar) and discipline-specific databases (e.g., PubMed) were queried for articles on the patient-physician relationship among marginalized cancer patients. The marginalized populations of interest included (1) race and ethnicity, (2) gender, (3) sexual orientation and gender identity, (4) age, (5) disability, (6) socioeconomic status, and (7) geography (rural/urban). Study screening and data extraction were facilitated through the Covidence software platform.

RESULTS

Of the 397 screened studies, 37 met study criteria-most articles utilized quantitative methodologies (n = 28). The majority of studies focused on racial and ethnic cancer disparities (n = 27) with breast cancer (n = 20) as the most common cancer site. Trust and satisfaction with the provider were the most prevalent issues cited in the patient-physician relationship. Differences in patient-physician communication practices and quality were also frequently discussed. Overall, studies highlighted the need for increased culturally congruent care among providers.

CONCLUSION

Results from this review suggest marginalized cancer patients face significant barriers in establishing culturally and linguistically congruent patient-physician relationships. Future studies should focus on the intersectionality of multiple marginalized identities and optimization of the patient-physician relationship.

Assessing Perceived Discrimination as Reported by Black and White Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Although a number of factors contribute to racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, perceived discrimination in healthcare may be a key factor that hinders positive interactions and negatively impacts patient outcomes. The goals of our study were to (1) assess the prevalence of perceived discrimination as reported by breast cancer patients and (2) identify factors related to discrimination in women overall as well as by race.

DESIGN

This study is a secondary analysis of a larger study, "Narrowing the Gaps in Adjuvant Therapy," where a convenience sample of 359 women completed one telephone survey assessing sociodemographics, and attitudes and beliefs concerning breast cancer treatments and care. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the relationship of categorical variables with perceived discrimination, while the F-test was employed for continuous variables. Logistic regression determined predictors of perceived discrimination, a dichotomous variable (none vs. any).

RESULTS

A majority of women were Black (58%), privately insured (85%), and had at least a Bachelor's degree (48%). Discrimination was reported by 32.4% of women, with significantly more Black women reporting discrimination than White women. Insurance status, attitudes toward treatment, and distress factors were significantly related to perceived discrimination. In the logistic model, women who were less trusting of their providers (OR = 0.863 [0.751, 0.993], p = .021) and Black women (OR = 7.241 [0.751, 0.993], p = .039) were more likely to report incidences of discrimination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a need to understand Black survivor's experiences with healthcare. Similarly, future work must focus on identifying ways to improve provider trust amongst breast cancer survivors.

Conceptual Framework to Guide Early Diagnosis Programs for Symptomatic Cancer as Part of Global Cancer Control

Diagnosing cancer earlier can enable timely treatment and optimize outcomes. Worldwide, national cancer control plans increasingly encompass early diagnosis programs for symptomatic patients, commonly comprising awareness campaigns to encourage prompt help-seeking for possible cancer symptoms and health system policies to support prompt diagnostic assessment and access to treatment. By their nature, early diagnosis programs involve complex public health interventions aiming to address unmet health needs by acting on patient, clinical, and system factors. However, there is uncertainty regarding how to optimize the design and evaluation of such interventions. We propose that decisions about early diagnosis programs should consider four interrelated components: first, the conduct of a needs assessment (based on cancer-site-specific statistics) to identify the cancers that may benefit most from early diagnosis in the target population; second, the consideration of symptom epidemiology to inform prioritization within an intervention; third, the identification of factors influencing prompt help-seeking at individual and system level to support the design and evaluation of interventions; and finally, the evaluation of factors influencing the health systems' capacity to promptly assess patients. This conceptual framework can be used by public health researchers and policy makers to identify the greatest evidence gaps and guide the design and evaluation of local early diagnosis programs as part of broader cancer control strategies.

Adherence to treatment guidelines as a major determinant of survival disparities between black and white patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether non-adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines and other factors related to treatment access contribute to racial disparities in ovarian cancer survival.

METHODS

This large cohort study included patients from the National Cancer Database who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer between 2004 and 2014, with follow-up data up to 2017. The multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the effect of study variables on five-year overall survival. The proportion contributions of prognostic factors to the survival disparities were estimated using individual and sequential adjustment of these factors based on the Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Of the 120,712 patients eligible for this study, 110,032 (91.1%) were whites and 10,680 (8.9%) were blacks. Black patients, compared with their white counterparts, had a lower adherence to NCCN guidelines (60.8% vs. 70.4%, respectively, P < 0.001), and a higher five-year mortality after cancer diagnosis (age- and tumor characteristics- adjusted hazard ratio: 1.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.19-1.25). Non-adherence to NCCN treatment guidelines was the most significant contributor to racial disparity in ovarian cancer survival, followed by access to care and comorbidity, each explaining 36.4%, 22.7%, and 18.2% of the racial differences in five-year overall survival, respectively. These factors combined explain 59.1% of racial survival disparities. Risk factors identified for non-adherence to treatment guidelines among blacks include insurance status, treatment facility type, educational attainment, age, and comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence status to NCCN treatment guidelines is the most important contributor to the survival disparities between black and white patients with ovarian cancer. Our findings call for measures to promote equitable access to guideline-adherence care to improve the survival of black women with ovarian cancer.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Associations Between Four Common Cancers and Disability

BACKGROUND

Approximately 61 million Americans have a disability. Little research has explored whether disability is associated with subsequent diagnosis of cancer, the second-leading cause of death in the United States. The objective of this study was to explore associations between cancer and disability, focusing on 4 cancers that may present with nonspecific symptoms that could be conflated with aspects of disability, thus delaying cancer diagnoses. An analysis of a nationally representative survey using sampling weights to produce national estimates was performed.

METHODS

Civilian, noninstitutionalized US residents responding to the 2010-2017 National Health Interview Surveys totaling 259,392 Sample Adult Core survey respondents were included. We used self-reported functional status limitations to identify persons with movement difficulties (MD), complex activity limitations (CAL), and no disability. Multivariable regressions predicting cancer diagnosis included sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco use, body mass index, access to care indicators, and disability status.

RESULTS

Persons with preexisting disability had significantly higher rates of cancer (ranging from 0.40 [SE, 0.05] for ovarian to 3.38 [0.14] for prostate) than did those without disability (0.20 [0.02] and 1.26 [0.04] for the same cancers; all P<.0001). Multivariable analyses found strong associations of preexisting MD and CAL with colorectal cancer, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2-1.9) and 1.9 (1.5-2.4), respectively. For non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the aOR for CAL was 1.5 (1.1-2.1). For prostate cancer, aORs for MD were 1.2 (1.0-1.3) and 1.1 (1.0-1.3) for CAL. Using cross-sectional survey data, we could only identify statistical associations, not causality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our population-based analyses suggest that persons with disability may constitute a high-risk population, with higher cancer incidence. Optimizing appropriate screening and fully investigating new signs and symptoms are therefore critical for patients with disability.

Race and Ethnicity Influence Survival Outcomes in Women of Caribbean Nativity With Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Background: Caribbean immigrants represent one of the largest groups of minorities in the United States (US), yet are understudied. Racial and ethnic disparities among women with ovarian cancer have been reported, but not in immigrant populations. Our objective was to evaluate differences in the clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes of Caribbean-born (CB) immigrants with ovarian cancer, with special focus on the influence of race and ethnicity on these measures.

Methods: A review of the institutional cancer registry was performed to identify women with known nativity treated for epithelial ovarian cancer between 2005 and 2017. Sociodemographic, clinical, and outcomes data were collected. Analyses were done using chi-square, Cox proportional hazards models, and the Kaplan-Meier method, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: 529 women were included in the analysis, 248 CB and 281 US-born (USB). CB women were more likely to have residual disease after debulking surgery (31.2 vs. 16.8%, p = 0.009) and be treated at a public facility (62.5 vs. 33.5%, p < 0.001). Black CB women less frequently received chemotherapy compared to White CB women (55.2 vs. 82.2%, p = 0.001). Among all CB women, Hispanic ethnicity was independently associated with improved survival when adjusting for other factors (HR 0.61 [95% CI 0.39–0.95], p = 0.03). White Hispanic CB women had a median overall survival (OS) of 59 months while Black, non-Hispanic CB women had a median OS of 24 months (log-rank p = 0.04).

Conclusion: Among Caribbean-born women with ovarian cancer, Hispanic ethnicity is significantly associated with improved survival outcomes, regardless of race.