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Estupiñán Fdez de Mesa M, Marcu A, Ream E, Whitaker KL. Understanding and tackling cancer inequities: What opportunities does intersectionality offer researchers, policymakers, and providers? A scoping review. J Psychosoc Oncol 2024:1-28. [PMID: 39120128 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2024.2361642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION We summarised the international evidence relating to the role of intersectionality in patients' lived experience of inequities along the cancer care pathway. We produced guidance to use intersectionality in future research. LITERATURE SEARCH We included 42 articles published between 1989 to 2023 that used intersectionality to guide the study and interpretation of inequities in cancer care. DATA EVALUATION/SYNTHESIS Articles predominantly comprised North American (n = 37), followed by European (n = 4) and Asian (n = 1) studies. Similar compounding effects of racism, homophobia, and discrimination across countries exacerbated inequities in cancer care experience and cancer outcomes particularly for women of color and sexual/gender minority groups. Professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward minoritised groups affected patient-provider relationships and influenced cancer patients' psychosocial responses. CONCLUSION Intersectionality provides a framework to assess the personal, interpersonal, and structural processes through which cancer inequities manifest within and across countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Afrodita Marcu
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Emma Ream
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
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Young K, Ekberg S, Cashion C, Hassall T, Bradford N. Quality of life and family functioning 12 months after diagnosis of childhood brain tumour: A longitudinal cohort study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024:e31199. [PMID: 39010651 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wellbeing of a child with brain tumour is affected by several factors. We present the first investigation of quality of life and family functioning in a parent and child across the first 12 months after diagnosis, examining potential factors to guide the provision of psychosocial resources to families who most need them. PROCEDURE Data were collected from parents/carers in Queensland, Australia, from 2020 to 2023. Child (parent/carer-proxy reported) and carer quality of life was assessed across three timepoints (repeated measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]) and by five potential co-variates (mixed between-within ANOVA). Family functioning was assessed across two timepoints (repeated-measures t-test), and by potential co-variates (repeated measures ANOVA). Univariate relationships were explored with Pearson's correlation coefficient; significant relationships were entered into multiple regression models. RESULTS Ninety-six diverse families were represented. Quality of life (child, carer) and family functioning did not change across time. Children from households with lower income reported worse cognitive difficulties (p = .023) and pain and hurt (p = .013) than those from a higher income. Caregiver quality of life was poorer for those whose child had received chemotherapy and/or radiation, was aged less than 4 years at diagnosis, and had a lower household income. At 12 months, caregiver quality of life was correlated with family functioning (r = -.45, p < .001), with positive adaptation being a significant key predictor (beta = -.66, p < .005). CONCLUSIONS The following factors indicate a need for increased early psychosocial support: cognitive difficulties, aged <4 years at diagnosis, receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation, and low household income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Young
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Stuart Ekberg
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, Colleges of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christine Cashion
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Timothy Hassall
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
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Levine A, Winn PA, Fogel AH, Lelkes E, McPoland P, Agrawal AK, Bogetz JF. Barriers to Pediatric Palliative Care: Trainee and Faculty Perspectives Across Two Academic Centers. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1348-1356. [PMID: 37318791 PMCID: PMC10623063 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Barriers to palliative care for children with serious illness include system constraints and vastly different training and attitudes toward palliative care. This study aimed to explore trainee and faculty physician perceptions of barriers to palliative care across two pediatric centers to (1) examine differences between trainees and faculty and (2) compare these data with previous studies. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in fall 2021 among pediatric trainees and faculty physicians at three pediatric hospitals in two pediatric centers in the western United States. Surveys were distributed through hospital listservs and analyzed descriptively and through inductive thematic analysis. Results: There were a total of 268 participants: 50 trainees and 218 faculty physicians. Of the trainees, 46% (23) were fellows and 54% (27) were pediatric residents. Trainees and faculty reported the same four most common barriers, which were consistent with previous studies: family not ready to acknowledge an incurable condition (64% trainees and 45% faculty); family preference for more life-sustaining therapies than staff (52% and 39%); uncertain prognosis (48% and 38%); and parent discomfort with possibility of hastening death (44% and 30%). Other barriers commonly reported included time constraints, staff shortages, and conflict among family about treatment goals. Language barriers and cultural differences were also cited. Conclusions: This study examining palliative care across two pediatric centers suggests that providers' perceptions of family preferences and understanding of illness persist as barriers to the delivery of pediatric palliative care services. Future research should examine family-centered and culturally mindful interventions to better elucidate family perspectives on their child's illness to align care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Levine
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Phoebe A. Winn
- Divisions of Emergency Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Alexis H. Fogel
- Divisions of Emergency Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Efrat Lelkes
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Paula McPoland
- Division of Pediatric Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anurag K. Agrawal
- Divisions of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Jori F. Bogetz
- Division of Pediatric Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ji X, Hu X, Brock KE, Mertens AC, Cummings JR, Effinger KE. Early Posttherapy Opioid Prescription, Potential Misuse, and Substance Use Disorder Among Pediatric Cancer Survivors. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:895-906. [PMID: 35262708 PMCID: PMC9194632 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric cancer survivors often have pain, which may be managed with opioids. We examined the prevalence of opioid prescriptions, potential misuse, and substance use disorders (SUDs) among pediatric cancer survivors during the first year posttherapy. METHODS Using MarketScan Commercial Database, we identified 8969 survivors (aged 21 years or younger at diagnosis) who completed cancer therapy in 2009-2018 and remained continuously enrolled for at least 1 year posttherapy and 44 845 age-, sex-, and region-matched enrollees without cancer as a comparison group. Outcomes included opioid prescriptions, any indicator of potential prescription opioid misuse, and SUDs within 1 year posttherapy. Outcomes were compared between survivors and noncancer peers in bivariate and adjusted analyses, stratified by off-therapy age (children: 0-11 years; adolescents: 12-17 years; young adults: 18-28 years). All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS A higher proportion of survivors than noncancer peers filled opioid prescriptions (children: 12.7% vs 2.0%; adolescents: 22.9% vs 7.7%; young adults: 26.0% vs 11.9%). In models adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health status, survivors remained 74.4%-404.8% more likely than noncancer peer to fill opioid prescriptions (P < .001). The prevalence of potential misuse or SUDs was low, with 1.4% of child, 4.7% of adolescent, and 9.4% of young adult survivors fulfilling at least 1 criterion; however, it was higher than noncancer peers (0.1%, 1.4%, and 4.3%, respectively). In adjusted models, the likelihood of potential misuse among survivors remained at least 2 times higher than that among noncancer peers (P < .001), and the difference in SUDs became nonstatistically significant. CONCLUSION Statistically significantly higher rates of opioid prescriptions and potential misuse were found among pediatric cancer survivors within 1 year posttherapy as compared with peers without cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Ji
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ann C Mertens
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Janet R Cummings
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Karen E Effinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kelly-Brown J, Palmer Kelly E, Obeng-Gyasi S, Chen JC, Pawlik TM. Intersectionality in cancer care: A systematic review of current research and future directions. Psychooncology 2022; 31:705-716. [PMID: 35199401 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the current review was to synthesize the literature on intersectionality relative to disparities across the cancer care continuum. A model to support future intersectional cancer research was proposed. METHODS Web-based discovery services and discipline-specific databases were queried for both peer-reviewed and gray literature. Study screening and data extraction were facilitated through the Covidence software platform. RESULTS Among 497 screened studies, 28 met study inclusion criteria. Most articles were peer-reviewed empirical studies (n = 22) that focused on pre-diagnosis/screening (n = 19) and included marginalized racial/ethnic (n = 22) identities. Pre-cancer diagnosis, sexual orientation and race influenced women's screening and vaccine behaviors. Sexual minority women, particularly individuals of color, were less likely to engage in cancer prevention behaviors prior to diagnosis. Race and socioeconomic status (SES) were important factors in patient care/survivorship with worse outcomes among non-white women of low SES. Emergent themes in qualitative results emphasized the importance of patient intersectional identities, as well as feelings of marginalization, fears of discrimination, and general discomfort with providers as barriers to seeking cancer care. CONCLUSIONS Patients with intersectional identities often experience barriers to cancer care that adversely impact screening, diagnosis, treatment, as well as survivorship. The use of an "intersectional lens" as a future clinical and research framework will facilitate a more multidimensional and holistic approach to the care of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kelly-Brown
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Palmer Kelly
- Department of Surgery, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Surgery, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - J C Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Conley CC, McIntyre M, Dekkers S, Pal T, Vadaparampil ST. Socioeconomic disparities in psychosocial service recommendation and receipt among young Black breast cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:5557-5560. [PMID: 35118515 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-06884-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Black cancer survivors are less likely to receive desired psychological services than non-Hispanic White survivors. Black cancer survivors with low socioeconomic status may face additional barriers to receipt of psychological services. This study examined socioeconomic disparities in psychological service recommendation, attempts to access, and receipt among Black breast cancer (BC) survivors. METHODS Black BC survivors (n = 249) completed surveys at baseline (T1) and follow-up (T2; M 1.6 years post-T1). At T1, participants reported socioeconomic characteristics (employment, income, insurance, and education) and psychological symptoms (hospital anxiety and depression scale [HADS]). Self-reported address was used to identify area deprivation index (ADI), a composite measure of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage (least disadvantaged = 1; most disadvantaged = 10). At T2, participants reported provider recommendations for, attempts to access, and receipt of psychological services. Logistic regressions examined relationships between socioeconomic characteristics and psychological service variables, controlling for baseline psychological symptoms. RESULTS In multivariable analyses, being employed was associated with a lower likelihood of attempts to access (OR = 0.25) and receipt of (OR = 0.37) psychological services, above and beyond the effect of psychological symptoms. Univariate analyses demonstrated that participants from more disadvantaged areas (i.e., higher ADI) were more likely to receive psychological services (OR = 1.20), but this effect became non-significant in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION Results highlight the importance of an intersectional perspective in considering mental health care disparities; both race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status should be incorporated when considering barriers and facilitators of psychological care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - McKenzie McIntyre
- Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MRC-COEE, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA
| | | | - Tuya Pal
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Uber A, Ebelhar JS, Lanzel AF, Roche A, Vidal-Anaya V, Brock KE. Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:161-174. [DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01174-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Mazanec SR, Park S, Connolly MC, Rosenzweig MQ. Factors associated with symptom distress in women with breast cancer prior to initiation of chemotherapy. Appl Nurs Res 2021; 62:151515. [PMID: 34815009 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2021.151515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptom distress in women with breast cancer is associated with early discontinuation of chemotherapy and may influence treatment outcomes. Describing racial differences in prechemotherapy symptom distress and examining contextual variables of the symptom experience may inform our understanding of the complex problem of racial disparities in breast cancer. AIM To determine if perceived social support, healthcare system distrust, and economic hardship predict symptom distress in women with breast cancer prior to their first chemotherapy treatment. DESIGN Descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional. METHODS Baseline data (N = 119) was used from a multisite, longitudinal study comparing the symptom experience and ability to receive chemotherapy of Black and White women with breast cancer (R01MD012245; Rosenzweig, PI). Measures included the Symptom Distress Scale, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Health Care System Distrust Scale, and Psychological Sense of Economic Hardship scale. The analysis consisted of multiple regression and a t-test. RESULTS On average, participants reported five symptoms prior to chemotherapy. Black women reported higher symptoms distress than White women; t(68.34) = 2.15, p = 0.035. The model explained 26% of variance in symptom distress; F(5, 112) = 9.01, p < 0.001. While controlling for age and race, greater perceived economic hardship contributed to higher symptom distress (β = 0.36, p = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.34). Race, health care system distrust and social support did not significantly predict symptom distress. CONCLUSION Assessment of perceived financial hardship prior to beginning chemotherapy is critical to identify those patients at risk for greater symptom distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Mazanec
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106-4904, United States of America; University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, United States of America.
| | - Sumin Park
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106-4904, United States of America.
| | - Mary C Connolly
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria St., Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America.
| | - Margaret Quinn Rosenzweig
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria St., Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States of America; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States of America.
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CORRIGENDUM. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29348. [PMID: 34499409 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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