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Parsons HM, Muffly LS, Garcia A, Zhang A, Miller K, Van Riper D, Knowles K, Keegan TH. Travel-time barriers to specialized cancer care for adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2024; 8:pkae046. [PMID: 38845074 PMCID: PMC11229987 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkae046] [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] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies demonstrate that 20%-50% of adolescents and young adults (age 15-39 years) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receive care at specialty cancer centers, yet a survival benefit has been observed for patients at these sites. Our objective was to identify patients at risk of severe geographic barriers to specialty cancer center-level care. METHODS We used data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries Cancer in North America database to identify adolescent and young adult ALL patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2016 across 43 US states. We calculated driving distance and travel time from counties where participants lived to the closest specialty cancer center sites. We then used multivariable logistic regression models to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of counties where adolescent and young adult ALL patients resided and the need to travel more than 1 hour to obtain care at a specialty cancer center. RESULTS Among 11 813 adolescent and young adult ALL patients, 43.4% were aged 25-39 years, 65.5% were male, 32.9% were Hispanic, and 28.7% had public insurance. We found 23.6% of adolescent and young adult ALL patients from 60.8% of included US counties would be required to travel more than 1 hour one way to access a specialty cancer center. Multivariable models demonstrate that patients living in counties that are nonmetropolitan, with lower levels of educational attainment, with higher income inequality, with lower internet access, located in primary care physician shortage areas, and with fewer hospitals providing chemotherapy services are more likely to travel more than 1 hour to access a specialty cancer center. CONCLUSIONS Substantial travel-related barriers exist to accessing care at specialty cancer centers across the United States, particularly for patients living in areas with greater concentrations of historically marginalized communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lori S Muffly
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ariadna Garcia
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amy Zhang
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kate Miller
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David Van Riper
- Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kate Knowles
- Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Theresa H Keegan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Bekele BB, Lian M, Schmaltz C, Greever-Rice T, Shrestha P, Liu Y. Preexisting Diabetes and Breast Cancer Treatment Among Low-Income Women. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e249548. [PMID: 38717774 PMCID: PMC11079686 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Diabetes is associated with poorer prognosis of patients with breast cancer. The association between diabetes and adjuvant therapies for breast cancer remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE To comprehensively examine the associations of preexisting diabetes with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy in low-income women with breast cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study included women younger than 65 years diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer from 2007 through 2015, followed up through 2016, continuously enrolled in Medicaid, and identified from the linked Missouri Cancer Registry and Medicaid claims data set. Data were analyzed from January 2022 to October 2023. EXPOSURE Preexisting diabetes. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of utilization (yes/no), timely initiation (≤90 days postsurgery), and completion of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as adherence (medication possession ratio ≥80%) and persistence (<90-consecutive day gap) of endocrine therapy in the first year of treatment for women with diabetes compared with women without diabetes. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic and tumor factors. RESULTS Among 3704 women undergoing definitive surgery, the mean (SD) age was 51.4 (8.6) years, 1038 (28.1%) were non-Hispanic Black, 2598 (70.1%) were non-Hispanic White, 765 (20.7%) had a diabetes history, 2369 (64.0%) received radiotherapy, 2237 (60.4%) had chemotherapy, and 2505 (67.6%) took endocrine therapy. Compared with women without diabetes, women with diabetes were less likely to utilize radiotherapy (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.53-0.86), receive chemotherapy (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48-0.93), complete chemotherapy (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.50-0.99), and be adherent to endocrine therapy (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.91). There were no significant associations of diabetes with utilization (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.71-1.28) and persistence (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.88-1.36) of endocrine therapy, timely initiation of radiotherapy (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.86-1.38) and chemotherapy (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.77-1.55), or completion of radiotherapy (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.91-1.71). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, preexisting diabetes was associated with subpar adjuvant therapies for breast cancer among low-income women. Improving diabetes management during cancer treatment is particularly important for low-income women with breast cancer who may have been disproportionately affected by diabetes and are likely to experience disparities in cancer treatment and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayu Begashaw Bekele
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Min Lian
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Chester Schmaltz
- Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia
| | | | - Pratibha Shrestha
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Ying Liu
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
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Chang S, Liu M, Braun-Inglis C, Holcombe R, Okado I. Cancer care coordination in rural Hawaii: a focus group study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:518. [PMID: 38658990 PMCID: PMC11043031 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10916-1] [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] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rural populations consistently experience a disproportionate burden of cancer, including higher incidence and mortality rates, compared to the urban populations. Factors that are thought to contribute to these disparities include limited or lack of access to care and challenges with care coordination (CC). In Hawaii, many patients residing in rural areas experience unique challenges with CC as they require inter-island travel for their cancer treatment. In this focus group study, we explored the specific challenges and positive experiences that impact the CC in rural Hawaii cancer patients. METHODS We conducted two semi-structured focus group interviews with cancer patients receiving active treatment for any type of cancer (n = 8). The participants were recruited from the rural areas of Hawaii, specifically the Hawaii county and Kauai. Rural was defined using the Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes (RUCA; rural ≥ 4). The focus group discussions were facilitated using open-ended questions to explore patients' experiences with CC. RESULTS Content analysis revealed that 47% of the discussions were related to CC-related challenges, including access to care (27.3%), insurance (9.1%), inter-island travel (6.1%), and medical literacy (4.5%). Other major themes from the discussions focused on facilitators of CC (30.3%), including the use of electronic patient portal (12.1%), team-based approach (9.1%), family caregiver support (4.5%), and local clinic staff (4.5%). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that there are notable challenges in rural patients' experiences regarding their cancer care coordination. Specific factors such as the lack of oncologist and oncology services, fragmented system, and the lack of local general medical providers contribute to problems with access to care. However, there are also positive factors found through the help of facilitators of CC, notability the use of electronic patient portal, team-based approach, family caregiver support, and local clinic staff. These findings highlight potential targets of interventions to improve cancer care delivery for rural patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Chang
- John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo St, 96813, Honolulu, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St. 6th Floor, 96813, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Michelle Liu
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St. 6th Floor, 96813, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Christa Braun-Inglis
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St. 6th Floor, 96813, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Randall Holcombe
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St. 6th Floor, 96813, Honolulu, HI, USA
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, 149 Beaumont Av. Burlington, 05405, VT, USA
| | - Izumi Okado
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St. 6th Floor, 96813, Honolulu, HI, USA.
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Shelton C, Ruiz A, Shelton L, Montgomery H, Freas K, Ellsworth RE, Poll S, Pineda-Alvarez D, Heald B, Esplin ED, Nielsen SM. Universal Germline-Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer: Implementation in a Rural Practice and Impact on Shared Decision-Making. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:325-334. [PMID: 37814187 PMCID: PMC10695880 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14394-3] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria restrict germline-genetic testing (GGT) to a subset of breast cancer (BC) patients, the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends universal GGT. Although the yield of pathogenic germline variants (PGV) in unselected BC patients has been studied, the practicality and utility of incorporating universal GGT into routine cancer care in community and rural settings is understudied. This study reports real-world implementation of universal GGT for patients with breast cancer and genetics-informed, treatment decision-making in a rural, community practice with limited resources. METHODS From 2019 to 2022, all patients with breast cancer at a small, rural hospital were offered GGT, using a genetics-extender model. Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact test, t-tests, and calculation of odds ratios. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Of 210 patients with breast cancer who were offered GGT, 192 (91.4%) underwent testing with 104 (54.2%) in-criteria (IC) and 88 (45.8%) out-of-criteria (OOC) with NCCN guidelines. Pathogenic germline variants were identified in 25 patients (13.0%), with PGV frequencies of 15 of 104 (14.4%) in IC and ten of 88 (11.4%) in OOC patients (p = 0.495). GGT informed treatment for 129 of 185 (69.7%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Universal GGT was successfully implemented in a rural, community practice with > 90% uptake. Treatment was enhanced or de-escalated in those with and without clinically actionable PGVs, respectively. Universal GGT for patients with breast cancer is feasible within rural populations, enabling optimization of clinical care to patients' genetic profile, and may reduce unnecessary healthcare, resource utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Karen Freas
- The Outer Banks Hospital, Nags Head, NC, USA
| | | | - Sarah Poll
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Sharma R. Temporal patterns of breast cancer incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and risk factors in 12 South American Countries, 1990-2019: an examination using estimates from the global burden of disease 2019 study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 202:529-540. [PMID: 37717225 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07075-y] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in females in South America. This study aims to examine the BC burden in 12 South American countries between 1990 and 2019. DATA AND METHODS The estimates of BC burden and risk factors were procured from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study for the period 1990-2019. Development levels of countries were gauged using socio-demographic index (SDI). Decomposition analysis was employed to categorize the change in incidence between 1990 and 2019 into three factors: population growth, population aging and age-specific incidence rate. Estimated annual percent changes were calculated for each country and bivariate association between country-level age-standardized rates and SDI was examined using pooled regression. RESULTS The age-standardized rates of breast cancer were the highest in Uruguay [incidence: 72.65 per 100,000 (55.79-92.57); mortality: 29.97 per 100,000 (27.54-32.27); disability-adjusted life years (DALYs: 810.49 per 100,000 (746.22-884.55)] and lowest in Peru [incidence: 27.63 per 100,000 (20.44-36.85); mortality: 10.79 per 100,000 (8.14-14.11); DALYs: 318.27 per 100,000 (234.47-421.16)]. Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) across countries varied from 0.30 in Colombia to 0.55 in Bolivia in 2019. SDI had a positive and strong association with age-standardized incidence rate [Formula: see text] and weaker positive association with age-standardized mortality rate [Formula: see text] and age-standardized DALYs rate [Formula: see text]. Most countries experienced more than 70% increase in incident cases owing to population aging and age-specific incidence rates. Alcohol Use, diet high in red meat and smoking contributed the maximum DALYs in most countries in 2019 whereas DALYs due to high body-mass index and high fasting plasma glucose increased most substantially between 1990 and 2019. CONCLUSION With increasing incidence, high MIR and rising BC burden due to modifiable risk factors, several public health interventions are required in South America focusing on prevention, BC awareness among general public, cost-effective early detection and treatments that suit the socio-economic setup of South American countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Sharma
- Humanties and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, Kurukshetra, India.
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Moscovice IS, Parsons H, Bean N, Santana X, Weis K, Hui JYC, Lahr M. Availability of cancer care services and the organization of care delivery at critical access hospitals. Cancer Med 2023; 12:17322-17330. [PMID: 37439021 PMCID: PMC10501243 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6337] [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] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Critical access hospitals (CAHs) provide an opportunity to meet the needs of individuals with cancer in rural areas. Two common innovative care delivery methods include the use of traveling oncologists and teleoncology. It is important to understand the availability and organization of cancer care services in CAHs due to the growing population with cancer and expected declines in oncology workforce in rural areas. METHODS Stratified random sampling was used to generate a sample of 50 CAHs from each of the four U.S. Census Bureau-designated regions resulting in a total sample of 200 facilities. Analyses were conducted from 135 CAH respondents to understand the availability of cancer care services and organization of cancer care across CAHs. RESULTS Almost all CAHs (95%) provided at least one cancer screening or diagnostic service. Forty-six percent of CAHs reported providing at least one component of cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery) at their facility. CAHs that offered cancer treatment reported a wide range of health care staff involvement, including 34% of respondents reporting involvement of a local oncologist, 38% reporting involvement of a visiting oncologist, and 28% reporting involvement of a non-local oncologist using telemedicine. CONCLUSION Growing disparities within rural areas emphasize the importance of ensuring access to timely screening and guideline-recommended treatment for cancer in rural communities. These data demonstrated that CAHs are addressing the growing need through a variety of approaches including the use of innovative models that utilize non-local providers and telemedicine to expand access to crucial services for rural residents with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira S. Moscovice
- Flex Monitoring Team, Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Helen Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Nathan Bean
- Hennepin County Department of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Xiomara Santana
- Flex Monitoring Team, Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Kate Weis
- University of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Jane Yuet Ching Hui
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of SurgeryUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Megan Lahr
- Flex Monitoring Team, Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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Roh S, Lee YS, Kenyon DB, Elliott AJ, Petereit DG, Gaba A, Lee HY. Mobile Web App Intervention to Promote Breast Cancer Screening Among American Indian Women in the Northern Plains: Feasibility and Efficacy Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e47851. [PMID: 37471115 PMCID: PMC10401399 DOI: 10.2196/47851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death for American Indian women. American Indian women have lower rates of breast cancer screening than other racial groups, and disparities in breast cancer mortality and survival rates persist among them. To address this critical need, a culturally appropriate, accessible, and personalized intervention is necessary to promote breast cancer screening among American Indian women. This study used mobile health principles to develop a mobile web app-based mammogram intervention (wMammogram) for American Indian women in a remote, rural community in the Northern Plains. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of the wMammogram intervention, which was designed to motivate American Indian women to undergo breast cancer screening, as compared with the control group, who received an educational brochure. METHODS Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles and a multipronged recruitment strategy in a randomized controlled trial design, we developed the wMammogram intervention. This study involved 122 American Indian women aged between 40 and 70 years, who were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=62) or the control group (n=60). Those in the intervention group received personalized and culturally appropriate messages through a mobile web app, while those in the control group received an educational brochure. We measured outcomes such as mammogram receipt, intention to receive breast cancer screening after the intervention, and participants' satisfaction with and acceptance of the intervention. RESULTS A significantly higher proportion of women who received the wMammogram intervention (26/62, 42%; P=.009) completed mammograms by the 6-month follow-up than the control group (12/60, 20%). The wMammogram intervention group, compared with the control group, reported significantly higher ratings on perceived effectiveness of the intervention (t120=-5.22; P<.001), increase in knowledge (t120=-4.75; P<.001), and satisfaction with the intervention (t120=-3.61; P<.001). Moreover, compared with the brochure group, the intervention group expressed greater intention to receive a mammogram in the future when it is due (62/62, 100% vs 51/60, 85%) and were more willing to recommend the intervention they received to their friends (61/62, 98.4% vs 54/60, 90%) with statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the feasibility and efficacy of the wMammogram intervention to promote breast cancer screening for American Indian women in a remote, rural community-based setting. Findings suggest that, with advancements in technology and the ubiquity of mobile devices, mobile web apps could serve as a valuable health intervention tool that builds upon low-cost technology and enhances accessibility and sustainability of preventive care to help reduce breast health disparities experienced in hard-to-reach American Indian populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05530603; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05530603.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonhee Roh
- Department of Social Work, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Yeon-Shim Lee
- School of Social Work, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - DenYelle B Kenyon
- Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Amy J Elliott
- Avera Research Institute, Avera Health, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Daniel G Petereit
- Monument Health Cancer Care Institute, Rapid City, SD, United States
| | - Anu Gaba
- Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center, University of North Dakota, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Hee Yun Lee
- School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
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Shrestha P, Chu QD, Hsieh M, Yi Y, Peters ES, Trapido E, Yu Q, Ferguson T, Wu X. Distance to radiation therapy facility influences surgery type among older women with early‐stage breast cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 12:6842-6852. [PMID: 36495041 PMCID: PMC10067088 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast-conserving surgery plus radiation (BCT) yields equivalent or better survival than mastectomy for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) women. However, nationwide mastectomy trends increased in recent decades, attracting studies on underlying causes. Prior research identified that long distance to the radiation treatment facility (RTF) was associated with mastectomy. Still, it is unclear whether such association applies to young and old ESBC women comparably. We sought to delineate such impacts by age. METHODS Women diagnosed with stages 0-II breast cancer in 2013-2017 receiving either BCT or mastectomy were identified from the Louisiana Tumor Registry. We assessed the association of surgery (mastectomy vs. BCT) with the distance to the nearest or nearest accessible RTFs using multivariable logistic regression adjusting the socio-demographic and tumor characteristics. The nearest accessible RTF was determined based on patients' health insurance. For Medicaid, uninsured, and unknown insurance patients, the nearest accessible RTF is the nearest RTF owned by the government. The interaction effect of age and distance was evaluated as well. RESULTS Of 11,604 patients, 46.7% received mastectomy. Compared with distance ≤5 miles to the nearest RTF, those with distance ≥40 miles or 15-40 miles had higher odds of mastectomy (adjusted (adj) OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.07-1.82; adj OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.34). To the nearest accessible RTF, the adj ORs were 1.25 (95% CI = 1.03-1.51) and 1.19 (95% CI = 1.04-1.35), respectively. Age-stratified analysis showed the significant association (p < 0.05) only presented among women aged ≥65, but not those aged <65 years. CONCLUSION Distance to the nearest or nearest accessible RTF influences the surgery choice, especially among women in Louisiana ≥65 years with ESBC. Further understanding of factors leading to the decision for mastectomy in this age group is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Shrestha
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center‐New Orleans New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Quyen D. Chu
- Orlando Health Cancer Institute Orlando Florida USA
| | - Mei‐Chin Hsieh
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center‐New Orleans New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Yong Yi
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center‐New Orleans New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Edward S. Peters
- Department of Epidemiology, UNMC College of Public Health Omaha Nebraska USA
| | - Edward Trapido
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center‐New Orleans New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Qingzhao Yu
- Biostatistics Program, School of Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center‐New Orleans New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Tekeda Ferguson
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center‐New Orleans New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Xiao‐Cheng Wu
- Louisiana Tumor Registry, Epidemiology Program, School of Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center‐New Orleans New Orleans Louisiana USA
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Gutt R, Shapiro RH, Lee SP, Faricy-Anderson K, Hoffman-Hogg L, Solanki AA, Moses E, Dawson GA, Kelly MD. Consensus Statement Supporting the Presence of Onsite Radiation Oncology Departments at VHA Medical Centers. Fed Pract 2022; 39:S8-S11. [PMID: 36426112 PMCID: PMC9662312 DOI: 10.12788/fp.0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although multiple studies demonstrate that radiotherapy is underused worldwide, the impact that onsite radiation oncology at medical centers has on the use of radiotherapy is poorly studied. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Palliative Radiotherapy Taskforce has evaluated the impact of onsite radiation therapy on the use of palliative radiation and has made recommendations based on these findings. OBSERVATIONS Radiation consults and treatment occur in a more timely manner at VHA centers with onsite radiation therapy compared with VHA centers without onsite radiation oncology. Referring practitioners with onsite radiation oncology less frequently report difficulty contacting a radiation oncologist (0% vs 20%, respectively; P = .006) and patient travel (28% vs 71%, respectively; P < .001) as barriers to referral for palliative radiotherapy. Facilities with onsite radiation oncology are more likely to have multidisciplinary tumor boards (31% vs 3%, respectively; P = .11) and are more likely to be influenced by radiation oncology recommendations at tumor boards (69% vs 44%, respectively; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS The VHA Palliative Radiotherapy Taskforce recommends the optimization of the use of radiotherapy within the VHA. Radiation oncology services should be maintained where present in the VHA, with consideration for expansion of services to additional facilities. Telehealth should be used to expedite consults and treatment. Hypofractionation should be used, when appropriate, to ease travel burden. Options for transportation services and onsite housing or hospitalization should be understood by treating physicians and offered to patients to mitigate barriers related to travel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronald H. Shapiro
- Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Steve P. Lee
- Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System, California
| | | | - Lori Hoffman-Hogg
- Veterans Health Administration, National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Durham, North Carolina
- Veterans Health Administration, Office of Nursing Services, Washington, DC
| | - Abhishek A. Solanki
- Edward Hines, Jr Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, Illinois
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Edwinette Moses
- Hunter Holmes Mcguire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - George A. Dawson
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Specialty Care Program Office, National Radiation Oncology Program, Washington, DC
| | - Maria D. Kelly
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Specialty Care Program Office, National Radiation Oncology Program, Washington, DC
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Roubidoux MA, Kaur JS, Rhoades DA. Health Disparities in Cancer Among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Acad Radiol 2022; 29:1013-1021. [PMID: 34802904 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are underserved populations who suffer from several health disparities, 1 of which is cancer. Malignancies, especially cancers of the breast, liver, and lung, are common causes of death in this population. Health care disparities in this population include more limited access to diagnostic radiology because of geographic and/or health system limitations. Early detection of these cancers may be enabled by improving patient and physician access to medical imaging. Awareness by the radiology community of the cancer disparities among this population is needed to support research targeted to this specific ethnic group and to support outreach efforts to provide more imaging opportunities. Providing greater access to imaging facilities will also improve patient compliance with screening recommendations, ultimately improving mortality in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn A Roubidoux
- Department of Radiology, Michigan Medicine, TC 2910, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Mi 48109-5326.
| | - Judith S Kaur
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Dorothy A Rhoades
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Fonseca BDP, Albuquerque PC, Saldanha RDF, Zicker F. Geographic accessibility to cancer treatment in Brazil: A network analysis. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2021; 7:100153. [PMID: 36777653 PMCID: PMC9903788 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Geographic accessibility to healthcare services is a fundamental component in achieving universal health coverage, the central commitment of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). For cancer patients, poor accessibility has been associated with inadequate treatment, worse prognosis, and poorer quality of life. Methods We explored nationwide healthcare data from the SUS health information systems, and mapped the geographic accessibility to cancer treatment in two time-frames: 2009-2010 and 2017-2018. We applied social network analysis (SNA) to estimate the commuting route, flow, and distances travelled by cancer patients to undergo surgical, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy treatment. Findings A total of 12,751,728 treatment procedures were analyzed. Overall, more than half of the patients (49·2 to 60·7%) needed to travel beyond their municipality of residence for treatment, a fact that did not change over time. Marked regional differences were observed, as patients living in the northern and midwestern regions of the country had to travel longer distances (weighted average of 296 to 870 km). Cancer care hubs and attraction poles were mostly identified in the southeast and northeast regions, with Barretos being the main hub for all types of treatment throughout time. Interpretation Important regional disparities in the accessibility to cancer treatment in Brazil were revealed, suggesting the need to review the distribution of specialized care in the country. The data presented here contribute to ongoing research on improving access to cancer care and can provide reference to other countries, offering relevant data for oncological and healthcare service evaluation, monitoring, and strategic planning. Funding This work was funded by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - Fiocruz (Inova - no. 8451635123 to BPF) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development - CNPq (no. 407060/2018-9 to BPF); Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel - CAPES (scholarship to PCA, Finance Code 001); and Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Inovação em Doenças de Populações Negligenciadas (INCT-IDPN). Resumo A acessibilidade geográfica aos serviços de saúde é um componente fundamental para o alcance da cobertura universal de saúde, compromisso central do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Para pacientes com câncer, a baixa acessibilidade aos serviços especializados tem sido associada ao tratamento inadequado, piora no prognóstico e na qualidade de vida.Neste estudo, dados de saúde dos sistemas de informação em saúde do SUS foram utilizados para mapear a acessibilidade geográfica ao tratamento do câncer em dois períodos: 2009-2010 e 2017-2018. Aplicamos a análise de redes sociais (ARS) para estimar os fluxos de deslocamento e as distâncias percorridas por pacientes com câncer para receberem tratamento cirúrgico, radioterápico e quimioterápico.Um total de 12.751.728 procedimentos de tratamento foram analisados. Em geral, mais da metade dos pacientes (49,2 a 60,7%) precisaram se deslocar de seus municípios de residência para receber tratamento, fato que não mudou comparando os dois períodos de tempo analisados. Foram observadas importantes diferenças regionais no acesso. Pacientes residentes das regiões norte e centro-oeste do país tiveram que percorrer maiores distâncias para alcançar os serviços (média ponderada = 296 a 870 km). A maioria dos hubs e polos de atração para atendimento oncológico foram identificados nas regiões Sudeste e Nordeste, sendo o município de Barretos o principal hub para todos os tipos de tratamento ao longo do tempo.As disparidades de acessibilidade para o tratamento de câncer, alertam para a necessidade de revisar a distribuição dos serviços de atenção especializada no país. A metodologia e os resultados apresentados neste estudo contribuem para as pesquisas sobre a melhoria do acesso ao tratamento do câncer e podem servir como referência para outros países, oferecendo dados relevantes para avaliação, monitoramento e planejamento estratégico de serviços oncológicos e de saúde em geral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna de Paula Fonseca
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Corresponding author: Dr. Bruna Fonseca, PhD, Center for Technological Development in Health, Av. Brasil, 4036, 8 andar, prédio da Expansão, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, CEP 21040-361 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Costa Albuquerque
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raphael de Freitas Saldanha
- Plataforma de Ciência de Dados Aplicada à Saúde (PCDaS), Instituto de Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde (ICICT), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio Zicker
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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