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Lee MW, Vallejo A, Furey KB, Woll SM, Klar M, Roman LD, Wright JD, Matsuo K. Racial and ethnic differences in early death among gynecologic malignancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 231:231.e1-231.e11. [PMID: 38460831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.03.003] [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] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic differences in early death after cancer diagnosis have not been well studied in gynecologic malignancy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess population-level trends and characteristics of early death among patients with gynecologic malignancy based on race and ethnicity in the United States. STUDY DESIGN The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program was queried to examine 461,300 patients with gynecologic malignancies from 2000 to 2020, including uterine (n=242,709), tubo-ovarian (n=119,989), cervical (n=68,768), vulvar (n=22,991), and vaginal (n=6843) cancers. Early death, defined as a mortality event within 2 months of the index cancer diagnosis, was evaluated per race and ethnicity. RESULTS At the cohort level, early death occurred in 21,569 patients (4.7%), including 10.5%, 5.5%, 2.9%, 2.5%, and 2.4% for tubo-ovarian, vaginal, cervical, uterine, and vulvar cancers, respectively (P<.001). In a race- and ethnicity-specific analysis, non-Hispanic Black patients with tubo-ovarian cancer had the highest early death rate (14.5%). Early death racial and ethnic differences were the largest in tubo-ovarian cancer (6.4% for Asian vs 14.5% for non-Hispanic Black), followed by uterine (1.6% for Asian vs 4.9% for non-Hispanic Black) and cervical (1.8% for Hispanic vs 3.8% to non-Hispanic Black) cancers (all, P<.001). In tubo-ovarian cancer, the early death rate decreased over time by 33% in non-Hispanic Black patients from 17.4% to 11.8% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.85) and 23% in non-Hispanic White patients from 12.3% to 9.5% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.85), respectively. The early death between-group difference diminished only modestly (12.3% vs 17.4% for 2000-2002 [adjusted odds ratio for non-Hispanic White vs non-Hispanic Black, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.65] and 9.5% vs 11.8% for 2018-2020 [adjusted odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.78]). CONCLUSION Overall, approximately 5% of patients with gynecologic malignancy died within the first 2 months from cancer diagnosis, and the early death rate exceeded 10% in non-Hispanic Black individuals with tubo-ovarian cancer. Although improving early death rates is encouraging, the difference among racial and ethnic groups remains significant, calling for further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Lee
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Andrew Vallejo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Katelyn B Furey
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sabrina M Woll
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Maximilian Klar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lynda D Roman
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jason D Wright
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Koji Matsuo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
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Hicks ML, Hicks MM, Mathews RP, Khabele D, Clare CA, Balogun O, Lawson YR, Tillman RH, Butler R, Spann CO, Parham GP. Racial disparities in endometrial cancer: Where are we after 26 years? Gynecol Oncol 2024; 184:236-242. [PMID: 38382150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.054] [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] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed female genital tract malignancy in the United States of America. Racial disparities surrounding this particular disease have been extensively investigated for over 26-years. We sought to determine if research in this area has led to any significant improvements in this disparity. METHODS We performed a rapid systematic review of English language publications on racial disparities in endometrial cancer among African American (AAW) and white American women (WAW), from 1997 to 2023. We looked at trends in incidence and survival; impact of known poor prognostic factors (stage at diagnosis, histological subtypes, grade); co-morbidities; differences in treatment (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy); socioeconomic factors; differences in biological and genetic markers; and policies/declarations. RESULTS During the period under review (1997-2023), there was a notable increase in both disease incidence (39%) and mortality (26%) rates for AAW, in comparison to WAW among whom the incidence rates increased by 2% and mortality rates rose, but 9% less than for AAW. It should be noted that the current incidence rate of 29.4% in AAW represent a reversal of what is was 26-years ago, when the incidence rate was 17.8%. In comparison to WAW, AAW had a higher prevalence of poor prognostic variables, more co-morbidities, lower income levels, less insurance coverage, and were more frequently under treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. To date no actionable molecular/genetic markers have been identified. We were unable to locate any published recommendations or active programs of implementation strategies/policies designed to effectively mitigate the documented racial disparity. CONCLUSION Racial disparities in disease incidence and mortality in endometrial cancer rates between WAW and AAW have widened during a 26-year period of robust research, suggesting that current research alone is not enough to eliminate this disparity. Based on this rapid systematic review we have identified and analyzed the impact of causation variables on this disparity. Additionally, we have made strong and pertinent recommendations for the benefit of mitigating this escalating racial disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Hicks
- St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Cancer Center, Michigan Cancer Institute, 44405 Woodward Ave, Suite 202, Pontiac, MI 48324, USA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Dr. Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
| | - Maya M Hicks
- Anne Arundel Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2000 Medical Pkwy, Belcher Pavilion, Ste 309, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
| | - Roland P Mathews
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 720 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Washington University, School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Mailstop 86064-37-1005, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Camille A Clare
- SUNY Downstate Health Science University, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, 450 Clarkson Ave, MSC-24, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Onyinye Balogun
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Radiation Oncology, 525 East Street, Stich Radiation Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yolanda R Lawson
- Made Well Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2509 Thomas Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
| | - Ronda Henry Tillman
- University of Arkansas Medical Center, Winthrop P. Rockerfeller Cancer Institute, 449 Jack Stephens Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Raleigh Butler
- Princess Margaret Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 102 Thompson Blvd Nassau, Bahamas
| | - Cyril O Spann
- Piedmont Hospital, 1800 Howell Mill Road Northwest, suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA
| | - Groesbeck P Parham
- Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1731 E 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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Illah O, Adeeko D, Olaitan A, Gentry-Maharaj A. Racioethnic Disparities in Endometrial Cancer Outcomes. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:417. [PMID: 38396458 PMCID: PMC10887632 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040417] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Black women are twice as likely to die from endometrial cancer (EC) compared with white women. This represents one of the worst racioethnic disparities amongst all cancers globally. Compared with white women, black women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced EC, have more barriers to accessing care and experience increased delays in obtaining an EC diagnosis and commencing treatment. Histological and molecular differences place black women at higher risk of being diagnosed with more aggressive EC subtypes that carry less favourable outcomes. Furthermore, EC diagnostic pathways are less reliable in black women, and black women are less likely to receive evidence-based treatment for EC. This racioethnic disparity in EC outcomes exists both in the UK and US, despite differences in healthcare systems. This review methodically describes the key factors along the patient journey that contribute to the disparity in black women and proposes multifaceted approaches to lessen these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ojone Illah
- Department of Women’s Cancer, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Deborah Adeeko
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6AU, UK
| | - Adeola Olaitan
- Department of Women’s Cancer, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Aleksandra Gentry-Maharaj
- Department of Women’s Cancer, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London WC1V 6LJ, UK
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Stewart CE, Nañez A, Ayoola-Adeola M, Chase D. Reducing health disparities in endometrial cancer care in 2024. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:18-22. [PMID: 37902961 PMCID: PMC10883863 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the most recent publications explaining disparities among patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and identify areas of improvement. RECENT FINDINGS Racial disparities in endometrial cancer care have been identified along the cancer continuum including risk, diagnosis, access to treatment, and overall survival. The mortality gap in endometrial cancer is one of the top five widest Black-White mortality gaps among all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Many publications have demonstrated that the disparities exist, the aim of this review is to identify actionable areas of improvement. To mitigate racial disparities, we must acknowledge that Black patients are at higher risk of high-risk subtypes of endometrial cancer, and their presentation can vary from what is considered typical for the most common type of endometrial cancer. We must address that practice recommendations for diagnosis may not be generalizable to all races and ethnicities, and that racism has an impact on how providers approach a work-up for Black vs. White patients. Finally, we must improve access to appropriate treatment by steadfastly adhering to recommended practice guidelines regardless of race/ethnicity and improving efforts to enroll a diverse patient population to clinical trials. SUMMARY In this review, we sought to identify specific and actionable areas of improvement to reduce racial disparities in endometrial cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Stewart
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Darko N, Millet N, Usman A, Teece L, Moss EL. Exploring the perspectives of underrepresented voices: Perceptions and experiences of uterine cancer for black African, Caribbean, black British, and mixed-black women in the UK to develop strategies for early symptom presentation. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 180:132-138. [PMID: 38091772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.11.030] [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] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The uterine cancer (UC) mortality rate in the UK is significantly higher for women who belong to a Black ethnic group compared to those from other ethnic groups. This study aimed to understand the views and experiences of UC amongst Black ethnic minority women in the UK, with a focus on awareness and presentation of red-flag symptoms. METHODS Women of Black African, Caribbean, Black British and Mixed-Black ethnicity were purposefully recruited to participate in focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews. RESULTS Twenty women from different regions in England participated in the study. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data led to the identification of three main themes: 1) Healthcare inequities; 2) Support and sense making with other Black women; and 3) Knowledge dissemination, mobilisation, and empowerment. Perceptions of inequitable healthcare provision and distrust influenced how participants, and their peer networks, approached seeking assistance from healthcare professionals. Concerns were also raised about culturally insensitive information resources, including issues of language, literacy, and representation, all of which served as potential barriers for women within Black ethnic minority groups. CONCLUSIONS The deficiency of targeted knowledge mobilisation and specific UC information aimed at Black ethnicity women living in the UK, reportedly contributes to the dissemination of misconceptions and an atmosphere of apprehension around a UC diagnosis. The insights from this study highlight the significance of designing culturally sensitive strategies to promote informed decision-making and empower the dissemination of accurate health knowledge amongst Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Darko
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - N Millet
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - A Usman
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - L Teece
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - E L Moss
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK; University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK
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Lee NK, Tiro JA, Odunsi K. Disparities in Gynecologic Cancers. Cancer J 2023; 29:343-353. [PMID: 37963369 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Gynecologic cancer disparities have different trends by cancer type and by sociodemographic/economic factors. We highlight disparities in the United States arising due to poor delivery of cancer care across the continuum from primary prevention, detection, and diagnosis through treatment and identify opportunities to eliminate/reduce disparities to achieve cancer health equity. Our review documents the persistent racial and ethnic disparities in cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer outcomes, with Black patients experiencing the worst outcomes, and notes literature investigating social determinants of health, particularly access to care. Although timely delivery of screening and diagnostic evaluation is of paramount importance for cervical cancer, efforts for ovarian and uterine cancer need to focus on timely recognition of symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, and delivery of guideline-concordant cancer treatment, including tumor biomarker and somatic/germline genetic testing.
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