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Berkman AM, Betts AC, Beauchemin M, Parsons SK, Freyer DR, Roth ME. Survivorship after adolescent and young adult cancer: models of care, disparities, and opportunities. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:1417-1428. [PMID: 38833671 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae119] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA; age 15-39 years at diagnosis) cancer are a growing population with the potential to live for many decades after treatment completion. Survivors of AYA cancer are at risk for adverse long-term outcomes including chronic conditions, secondary cancers, impaired fertility, poor psychosocial health and health behaviors, and financial toxicity. Furthermore, survivors of AYA cancer from racially minoritized and low socioeconomic status populations experience disparities in these outcomes, including lower long-term survival. Despite these known risks, most survivors of AYA cancer do not receive routine survivorship follow-up care, and research on delivering high-quality, evidence-based survivorship care to these patients is lacking. The need for survivorship care was initially advanced in 2006 by the Institute of Medicine. In 2019, the Quality of Cancer Survivorship Care Framework (QCSCF) was developed to provide an evidence-based framework to define key components of optimal survivorship care. In this commentary focused on survivors of AYA cancer, we apply the QCSCF framework to describe models of care that can be adapted for their unique needs, multilevel factors limiting equitable access to care, and opportunities to address these factors to improve short- and long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Berkman
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Andrea C Betts
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Melissa Beauchemin
- School of Nursing, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan K Parsons
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David R Freyer
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael E Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Hamilton C. The impact of the 2014 Medicaid expansion on the health, health care access, and financial well-being of low-income young adults. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 33:1895-1925. [PMID: 38783640 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Prior to the 2014 Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion, 37% of young adults ages 19-25 in the United States were low-income and a third lacked health insurance coverage-both the highest rates for any age group in the population. The ACA's Medicaid eligibility expansion, therefore, would have been significantly beneficial to low-income young adults. This study evaluates the effect of the ACA Medicaid expansion on the health, health care access and utilization, and financial well-being of low-income young adults ages 19-25. Using 2010-2017 National Health Interview Survey data, I estimate policy effects by applying a difference-in-differences design leveraging the variation in state implementation of the expansion policy. I show that Medicaid expansion improved health insurance coverage, health care access, and financial well-being for low-income young adults in expansion states, but had no effect on their health status and health care utilization. I also find that the policy was associated with larger gains in health coverage for racial minorities relative to their Non-Hispanic White counterparts. With the continued health policy reform debates at the state and federal levels, the empirical evidence from this study can help inform policy decisions that aim to improve health care access and utilization among disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christal Hamilton
- School of Public Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Schpero WL, Takvorian SU, Blickstein D, Shafquat A, Liu J, Chatterjee AK, Lamont EB, Chatterjee P. Association Between State Medicaid Policies and Accrual of Black or Hispanic Patients to Cancer Clinical Trials. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2301149. [PMID: 39052944 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE It is unknown whether Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or state-level policies mandating Medicaid coverage of the routine costs of clinical trial participation have ameliorated longstanding racial and ethnic disparities in cancer clinical trial enrollment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional difference-in-differences analysis examining the effect of Medicaid expansion on rates of enrollment for Black or Hispanic nonelderly adults in nonobservational, US cancer clinical trials using data from Medidata's Rave platform for 2012-2019. We examined heterogeneity in this effect on the basis of whether states had pre-existing mandates requiring Medicaid coverage of the routine costs of clinical trial participation. RESULTS The study included 47,870 participants across 1,353 clinical trials and 344 clinical trial sites. In expansion states, the proportion of participants who were Black or Hispanic increased from 16.7% before expansion to 17.2% after Medicaid expansion (0.5 percentage point [PP] change [95% CI, -1.1 to 2.0]). In nonexpansion states, this proportion increased from 19.8% before 2014 (when the first states expanded eligibility under the ACA) to 20.4% after 2014 (0.6 PP change [95% CI, -2.3 to 3.5]). These trends yielded a nonsignificant difference-in-differences estimate of 0.9 PP (95% CI, -2.6 to 4.4). Medicaid expansion was associated with a 5.3 PP (95% CI, 1.9 to 8.7) increase in the enrollment of Black or Hispanic participants in states with mandates requiring Medicaid coverage of the routine costs of trial participation, but not in states without mandates (-0.3 PP [95% CI, -4.5 to 3.9]). CONCLUSION Medicaid expansion was not associated with a significant increase in the proportion of Black or Hispanic oncology trial participants overall, but was associated with an increase specifically in states that mandated Medicaid coverage of the routine costs of trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Schpero
- Division of Health Policy and Economics, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY
- Center for Health Equity, Cornell University, New York, NY
| | - Samuel U Takvorian
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | - Jingshu Liu
- Medidata AI, a Dassault Systèmes Company, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Paula Chatterjee
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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4
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Primm KM, Zhao H, Adjei NN, Sun CC, Haas A, Meyer LA, Chang S. Effect of Medicaid expansion on cancer treatment and survival among Medicaid beneficiaries and the uninsured. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7461. [PMID: 38970338 PMCID: PMC11226780 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7461] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid coverage for people with low income in the United States. Expanded insurance coverage could promote more timely access to cancer treatment, which could improve overall survival (OS), yet the long-term effects of Medicaid expansion (ME) remain unknown. We evaluated whether ME was associated with improved timely treatment initiation (TTI) and 3-year OS among patients with breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancers who were affected by the policy. METHODS Medicaid-insured or uninsured patients aged 40-64 with stage I-III breast, cervical, colon, or non-small cell lung cancer within the National Cancer Database (NCDB). A difference-in-differences (DID) approach was used to compare changes in TTI (within 60 days) and 3-year OS between patients in ME states versus nonexpansion (NE) states before (2010-2013) and after (2015-2018) ME. Adjusted DID estimates for TTI and 3-year OS were calculated using multivariable linear regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models, respectively. RESULTS ME was associated with a relative increase in TTI within 60 days for breast (DID = 4.6; p < 0.001), cervical (DID = 5.0 p = 0.013), and colon (DID = 4.0, p = 0.008), but not lung cancer (p = 0.505). In Cox regression analysis, ME was associated with improved 3-year OS for breast (DID hazard ratio [HR] = 0.82, p = 0.009), cervical (DID-HR = 0.81, p = 0.048), and lung (DID-HR = 0.87, p = 0.003). Changes in 3-year OS for colon cancer were not statistically different between ME and NE states (DID-HR, 0.77; p = 0.075). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that expanded insurance coverage can improve treatment and survival outcomes among low income and uninsured patients with cancer. As the debate surrounding ME continues nationwide, our findings serve as valuable insights to inform the development of policies aimed at fostering accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Primm
- Department of EpidemiologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsThe University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Health Services ResearchThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Naomi N. Adjei
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive MedicineThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Charlotte C. Sun
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive MedicineThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Alen Haas
- Department of Health Services ResearchThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Larissa A. Meyer
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive MedicineThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Shine Chang
- Department of EpidemiologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
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5
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Beauchemin MP, Solomon S, Michaels CL, McHenry K, Turi E, Khurana R, Sanabria G. Toward identification and intervention to address financial toxicity and unmet health-related social needs among adolescents and emerging adults with cancer and their caregivers: A cross-cultural perspective. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7197. [PMID: 38659403 PMCID: PMC11043682 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7197] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We qualitatively explored the unique needs and preferences for financial toxicity screening and interventions to address financial toxicity among adolescents and emerging adults (younger AYAs: 15-25 years) with cancer and their caregivers. METHODS We recruited English- or Spanish-speaking younger AYAs who were treated for cancer within the past 2 years and their caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore preferences for screening and interventional study development to address financial toxicity. The data were coded using conventional content analysis. Codes were reviewed with the study team, and interviews continued until saturation was reached; codes were consolidated into categories and themes during consensus discussions. RESULTS We interviewed 17 participants; nine were younger AYAs. Seven of the 17 preferred to speak Spanish. We identified three cross-cutting themes: burden, support, and routine, consistent, and clear. The burden came in the form of unexpected costs such as transportation to appointments, as well as emotional burdens such as AYAs worrying about how much their family sacrificed for their care or caregivers worrying about the AYA's physical and financial future. Support, in the form of familial, community, healthcare institution, and insurance, was critical to mitigating the effects of financial toxicity in this population. Participants emphasized the importance of meeting individual financial needs by routinely and consistently asking about financial factors and providing clear guidance to navigate these needs. CONCLUSION Younger AYAs and their caregivers experience significant financial challenges and unmet health-related social needs during cancer treatment and often rely on key supports to alleviate these unmet needs. When developing interventions to mitigate financial toxicity, clinicians and health systems should prioritize clear, consistent, and tailorable approaches to support younger AYA cancer survivors and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa P. Beauchemin
- School of NursingColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer CenterColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Samrawit Solomon
- School of NursingColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Claudia L. Michaels
- School of NursingColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Kathryn McHenry
- School of MedicineColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Eleanor Turi
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Rhea Khurana
- School of NursingColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Islami F, Baeker Bispo J, Lee H, Wiese D, Yabroff KR, Bandi P, Sloan K, Patel AV, Daniels EC, Kamal AH, Guerra CE, Dahut WL, Jemal A. American Cancer Society's report on the status of cancer disparities in the United States, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin 2024; 74:136-166. [PMID: 37962495 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2021, the American Cancer Society published its first biennial report on the status of cancer disparities in the United States. In this second report, the authors provide updated data on racial, ethnic, socioeconomic (educational attainment as a marker), and geographic (metropolitan status) disparities in cancer occurrence and outcomes and contributing factors to these disparities in the country. The authors also review programs that have reduced cancer disparities and provide policy recommendations to further mitigate these inequalities. There are substantial variations in risk factors, stage at diagnosis, receipt of care, survival, and mortality for many cancers by race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and metropolitan status. During 2016 through 2020, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native people continued to bear a disproportionately higher burden of cancer deaths, both overall and from major cancers. By educational attainment, overall cancer mortality rates were about 1.6-2.8 times higher in individuals with ≤12 years of education than in those with ≥16 years of education among Black and White men and women. These disparities by educational attainment within each race were considerably larger than the Black-White disparities in overall cancer mortality within each educational attainment, ranging from 1.03 to 1.5 times higher among Black people, suggesting a major role for socioeconomic status disparities in racial disparities in cancer mortality given the disproportionally larger representation of Black people in lower socioeconomic status groups. Of note, the largest Black-White disparities in overall cancer mortality were among those who had ≥16 years of education. By area of residence, mortality from all cancer and from leading causes of cancer death were substantially higher in nonmetropolitan areas than in large metropolitan areas. For colorectal cancer, for example, mortality rates in nonmetropolitan areas versus large metropolitan areas were 23% higher among males and 21% higher among females. By age group, the racial and geographic disparities in cancer mortality were greater among individuals younger than 65 years than among those aged 65 years and older. Many of the observed racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in cancer mortality align with disparities in exposure to risk factors and access to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, which are largely rooted in fundamental inequities in social determinants of health. Equitable policies at all levels of government, broad interdisciplinary engagement to address these inequities, and equitable implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as increasing health insurance coverage, are needed to reduce cancer disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Priti Bandi
- American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Carmen E Guerra
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Kirchhoff AC, Waters AR, Chevrier A, Wolfson JA. Access to Care for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer in the United States: State of the Literature. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:642-652. [PMID: 37939320 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Access to care remains a persistent challenge for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. We review key findings in the science to date. (1) Location of care matters. There is survival benefit for AYAs treated either at a pediatric center or site with special status (eg, Children's Oncology Group, National Cancer Institute [NCI]-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center). (2) Socioeconomic status and insurance require further investigation. Medicaid expansion has had a moderate effect on AYA outcomes. The dependent care expansion benefit has come largely from improvements in coverage for younger populations whose parents have insurance, while some subgroups likely still face insurance gaps. (3) Clinical trial enrollment remains poor, but access may be improving. Numerous barriers and facilitators of clinical trial enrollment include those that are system level and patient level. NCI has established several initiatives over the past decade to improve enrollment, and newer collaboratives have recently brought together multidisciplinary US teams to increase clinical trial enrollment. (4) Effective AYA programs require provider and system flexibility and program reflection. With flexibility comes a need for metrics to assess program effectiveness in the context of the program model. Centers treating AYAs with cancer could submit a subset of metrics (appropriate to their program and/or services) to maintain their status; persistence would require an entity with staying power committed to overseeing the metrics and the system. Substantial clinical and biological advances are anticipated over the next 20 years that will benefit all patients with cancer. In parallel, it is crucial to prioritize research regarding access to health care and cancer care delivery; only with equitable access to care for AYAs can they, too, benefit from these advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Kirchhoff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Austin R Waters
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Amy Chevrier
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Julie A Wolfson
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Ji X, Shi KS, Ruddy KJ, Zhao J, Mertens AC, Yabroff KR, Castellino SM, Han X. Medicaid expansion is associated with treatment receipt, timeliness, and outcomes among young adults with breast cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2023; 7:pkad067. [PMID: 37707583 PMCID: PMC10534051 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkad067] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Female breast cancer is a common cancer in young adults, an age group with the highest uninsured rate. Among 51 675 young adult women (ages 18-39 years) diagnosed with breast cancer between 2011 and 2018 in the National Cancer Database, we estimated changes in guideline-concordant treatment receipt, treatment timeliness, and survival associated with the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion. Of young adults with stage I-III estrogen receptor-positive or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer, Medicaid expansion was associated with a net increase of 2.42 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56 to 4.28 percentage points) in the percentage receiving endocrine therapy. Among all young adults with stage I-III breast cancer, Medicaid expansion was associated with a net reduction of 1.65 percentage points (95% CI = 0.08 to 3.22 percentage points) in treatment delays defined as treatment initiation of at least 60 days after diagnosis and a net increase of 1.00 percentage points (95% CI = 0.21 to 1.79 percentage points) in 2-year overall survival. Our study provides evidence of benefit in cancer care and outcomes from Medicaid expansion among the young adult population.
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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
| | - Kewei Sylvia Shi
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, 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 Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sharon M Castellino
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Han X, Shi KS, Zhao J, Nogueira L, Parikh RB, Kamal AH, Jemal A, Yabroff KR. Medicaid Expansion Associated With Increase In Palliative Care For People With Advanced-Stage Cancers. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:956-965. [PMID: 37406229 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical guidelines have endorsed early palliative care for patients with advanced malignancies, but receipt remains low in the US. This study examined the association between Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act and receipt of palliative care among patients newly diagnosed with advanced-stage cancers. Using the National Cancer Database, we found that the percentage of eligible patients who received palliative care as part of first-course treatment increased from 17.0 percent preexpansion to 18.9 percent postexpansion in Medicaid expansion states and from 15.7 percent to 16.7 percent, respectively, in nonexpansion states, resulting in a net increase of 1.3 percentage points in expansion states in adjusted analyses. Increases in receipt of palliative care associated with Medicaid expansion were largest for patients with advanced pancreatic, colorectal, lung, and oral cavity and pharynx cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Our findings suggest that increasing Medicaid coverage facilitates access to guideline-based palliative care for advanced cancer, and they provide additional evidence of benefit in cancer care from states' expansion of income eligibility for Medicaid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Han
- Xuesong Han , American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | | | | | | | - Ravi B Parikh
- Ravi B. Parikh, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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10
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Ji X, Shi KS, Mertens AC, Zhao J, Yabroff KR, Castellino SM, Han X. Survival in Young Adults With Cancer Is Associated With Medicaid Expansion Through the Affordable Care Act. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:1909-1920. [PMID: 36525612 PMCID: PMC10082236 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Medicaid expansion through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been shown to improve insurance coverage and early diagnosis of cancer in young adults (YAs); whether these improvements translate to survival benefits remains unknown. We examined the association between Medicaid expansion under the ACA and 2-year overall survival among YAs with cancer. METHODS Using the National Cancer Database, we identified 345,413 YAs (age 18-39 years) diagnosed with cancer in 2010-2017. We applied the difference-in-differences (DD) method to estimate changes in 2-year overall survival after versus before Medicaid expansion in expansion versus nonexpansion states. RESULTS Among all YAs, 2-year overall survival increased more in expansion states (90.39% pre-expansion to 91.85% postexpansion) than in nonexpansion states (88.98% pre-expansion to 90.07% postexpansion), resulting in a net increase of 0.55 percentage points (ppt; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.96). The expansion-associated survival benefit was concentrated in patients with female breast cancer (DD, 1.20 ppt; 95%CI, 0.27 to 2.12) when stratifying by cancer type and in patients with stage IV disease (DD, 2.56; 95%CI, 0.36 to 4.77) when stratifying by stage. In addition, greater survival benefit associated with Medicaid expansion was observed among racial and ethnic minoritized groups (DD, 1.01 ppt; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.87) as compared with non-Hispanic White peers (DD, 0.41 ppt; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.87) and among patients with a Charlson comorbidity score of ≥ 2 (DD, 6.48 ppt; 95% CI, 0.81 to 12.16) than those with a comorbidity score of 0 (DD, 0.44 ppt; 95% CI, 0.005 to 0.87). CONCLUSION Medicaid expansion under the ACA was associated with an improvement in overall survival among YAs with cancer, with survival benefits most pronounced among patients of under-represented race and ethnicity and patients with high-risk diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Ji
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kewei Sylvia Shi
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ann C. Mertens
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sharon M. Castellino
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
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11
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Parsons SK, Keegan THM, Kirchhoff AC, Parsons HM, Yabroff KR, Davies SJ. Cost of Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States: Results of the 2021 Report by Deloitte Access Economics, Commissioned by Teen Cancer America. J Clin Oncol 2023:JCO2201985. [PMID: 36827624 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this report, commissioned by Teen Cancer America and performed by Deloitte Access Economics in 2021, was to estimate the total costs incurred by adolescent and young adults (AYAs) after cancer diagnosis in the United States (US) over their life course. METHODS The incidence of cancer in 2019 among AYAs age 15-39 years was estimated from the US Cancer Statistics Public Use Database, and relative survival was projected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Cost domains included health system, productivity, and well-being costs. Components were estimated with published literature and pooled data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2008 to 2012 and inflated to 2019 dollars. RESULTS The economic and human costs of cancer in AYAs are substantial-$23.5 billion overall, corresponding to $259,324 per person over the lifetime. The majority of costs are borne by AYA cancer survivors themselves in the form of lost productivity, loss of well-being, and loss of life. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the need to address the burden of cancer in AYAs through targeted programs for AYAs, such as financial navigation and health insurance literacy interventions, as well as local and national policy initiatives to address access to and enhanced coverage for clinical trials participation, fertility services, and survivorship care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Parsons
- Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Clinical Care Research, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Scientific Vice President, Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Inc
| | - Simon J Davies
- Executive Director, Teen Cancer America, Los Angeles, CA
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Impacts of Medicaid Expansion on Stage at Cancer Diagnosis by Patient Insurance Type. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:915-925. [PMID: 35871117 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act increased access to health care for millions of low-income Americans. However, the longer-term impacts of the policy on cancer outcomes remain unknown. This study examined the impact of Medicaid expansion on early- and late-stage diagnosis for 4 common cancers (breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung) using 4 full years of postpolicy data. METHODS Patients aged 40-64 years diagnosed with breast, cervical, colorectal, or lung cancer from 2010 to 2017 were identified using the National Cancer Database. Difference-in-difference analyses compared changes in early-stage and late-stage diagnoses among expansion states with those among nonexpansion states. Subgroup analyses explored potential effect modification by insurance type. Data analysis was performed from June to October 2021. RESULTS The proportion of early stage diagnosis of breast (difference in difference=1.58, 95% CI=0.89, 2.27), cervical (difference in difference=3.20; 95% CI=0.44, 5.95), colorectal (difference in difference=1.98; 95% CI=1.18, 2.78), and lung (difference in difference=1.74; 95% CI=0.98, 2.50) cancers increased more in expansion states than in nonexpansion states, whereas late-stage diagnosis of colorectal (difference in difference= -2.12; 95% CI= -2.98, -1.27) and lung (difference in difference= -1.87; 95% CI= -2.89, -0.84) cancers decreased more in expansion states following implementation of the Affordable Care Act. In subgroup analyses, difference-in-difference estimates for all sites and stages (except late-stage cervical cancer) were significant and larger in magnitude among Medicaid-insured than among privately insured patients. CONCLUSIONS Study results highlight the positive impacts of Medicaid expansion on earlier diagnosis of several cancers for which screening and early detection exist, and subgroup analyses revealed greater positive effects among Medicaid-insured patients most targeted by the policy.
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Snowden LR, Graaf G, Keyes L, Kitchens K, Ryan A, Wallace N. Did Medicaid expansion close African American-white health care disparities nationwide? A scoping review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1638. [PMID: 36038836 PMCID: PMC9426283 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the impact of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Medicaid expansion on African American-white disparities in health coverage, access to healthcare, receipt of treatment, and health outcomes. Design A search of research reports, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, identified twenty-six national studies investigating changes in health care disparities between African American and white non-disabled, non-elderly adults before and after ACA Medicaid expansion, comparing states that did and did not expand Medicaid. Analysis examined research design and findings. Results Whether Medicaid eligibility expansion reduced African American-white health coverage disparities remains an open question: Absolute disparities in coverage appear to have declined in expansion states, although exceptions have been reported. African American disparities in health access, treatment, or health outcomes showed little evidence of change for the general population. Conclusions Future research addressing key weaknesses in existing research may help to uncover sources of continuing disparities and clarify the impact of future Medicaid expansion on African American health care disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie R Snowden
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | | | - Latocia Keyes
- Department of Social Work, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, USA
| | | | - Amanda Ryan
- School of Social Work, University of Texas, Arlington, USA
| | - Neal Wallace
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Portland State University, Portland, USA
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14
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Zhao J, Zheng Z, Nogueira L, Yabroff KR, Han X. Preexisting Condition Protections Under the Affordable Care Act: Changes in Insurance Coverage, Premium Contributions, and Out-of-Pocket Spending. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:1360-1370. [PMID: 35304035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In January 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) preexisting condition protections prohibited coverage denials, premium increases, and claim denials on the basis of preexisting conditions. This study aimed to examine changes in coverage and premiums and out-of-pocket spending after the implementation of the preexisting condition protections under the ACA. METHODS We identified adults aged 18 to 64 years with (n = 59 041) and without preexisting conditions (n = 61 970) from the 2011-2013 and 2015-2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We used a difference-in-differences and a difference-in-difference-in-differences approach to assess the associations of preexisting condition protections and changes in insurance coverage, premium contributions, and out-of-pocket spending after the ACA. Simple and multivariable logistic or multivariable 2-part models were fitted for the full sample and stratified by family income (low ≤138% federal poverty level [FPL]; middle 139%-400% FPL; and high > 400 FPL). RESULTS The ACA increased nongroup insurance coverage to a similar extent for individuals with or without preexisting conditions at all income levels. Decreases in premium contributions were observed to a similar extent among families with nongroup private coverage regardless of declinable preexisting condition status, whereas no significant changes were observed among families with group coverage. We found greater decreases in out-of-pocket spending for individuals with preexisting conditions than those without conditions among both individuals covered by nongroup and group insurance, and a greater difference was observed among those covered by nongroup insurance (difference-in-difference-in-differences -$279; 95% confidence interval -$528 to -$29). CONCLUSIONS The ACA protections were associated with decreases in out-of-pocket spending among adults with preexisting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Martinez ME, Gomez SL, Canchola AJ, Oh DL, Murphy JD, Mehtsun W, Yabroff KR, Banegas MP. Changes in Cancer Mortality by Race and Ethnicity Following the Implementation of the Affordable Care Act in California. Front Oncol 2022; 12:916167. [PMID: 35912225 PMCID: PMC9327742 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.916167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation has improved cancer outcomes, less is known about how much the improvement applies to different racial and ethnic populations. We examined changes in health insurance coverage and cancer-specific mortality rates by race/ethnicity pre- and post-ACA. We identified newly diagnosed breast (n = 117,738), colorectal (n = 38,334), and cervical cancer (n = 11,109) patients < 65 years in California 2007-2017. Hazard rate ratios (HRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable Cox regression to estimate risk of cancer-specific death pre- (2007-2010) and post-ACA (2014-2017) and by race/ethnicity [American Indian/Alaska Natives (AIAN); Asian American; Hispanic; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (NHPI); non-Hispanic Black (NHB); non-Hispanic white (NHW)]. Cancer-specific mortality from colorectal cancer was lower post-ACA among Hispanic (HRR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.92), NHB (HRR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.82), and NHW (HRR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.97) but not Asian American (HRR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.10) patients. We observed a lower risk of death from cervical cancer post-ACA among NHB women (HRR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47 to 0.99). No statistically significant differences in breast cancer-specific mortality were observed for any racial or ethnic group. Cancer-specific mortality decreased following ACA implementation for colorectal and cervical cancers for some racial and ethnic groups in California, suggesting Medicaid expansion is associated with reductions in health inequity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Martinez
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Scarlett L. Gomez
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alison J. Canchola
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Debora L. Oh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - James D. Murphy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Winta Mehtsun
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, United States
| | - Matthew P. Banegas
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, United States
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16
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Bhatia S, Landier W, Paskett ED, Peters KB, Merrill JK, Phillips J, Osarogiagbon RU. Rural-Urban Disparities in Cancer Outcomes: Opportunities for Future Research. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:940-952. [PMID: 35148389 PMCID: PMC9275775 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer care disparities among rural populations are increasingly documented and may be worsening, likely because of the impact of rurality on access to state-of-the-art cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services, as well as higher rates of risk factors such as smoking and obesity. In 2018, the American Society of Clinical Oncology undertook an initiative to understand and address factors contributing to rural cancer care disparities. A key pillar of this initiative was to identify knowledge gaps and promote the research needed to understand the magnitude of difference in outcomes in rural vs nonrural settings, the drivers of those differences, and interventions to address them. The purpose of this review is to describe continued knowledge gaps and areas of priority research to address them. We conducted a comprehensive literature review by searching the PubMed (Medline), Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published in English between 1971 and 2021 and restricted to primary reports from populations in the United States and abstracted data to synthesize current evidence and identify continued gaps in knowledge. Our review identified continuing gaps in the literature regarding the underlying causes of rural-urban disparities in cancer outcomes. Rapid advances in cancer care will worsen existing disparities in outcomes for rural patients without directed effort to understand and address barriers to high-quality care in these areas. Research should be prioritized to address ongoing knowledge gaps about the drivers of rurality-based disparities and preventative and corrective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Bhatia
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Wendy Landier
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Xie Z, Xie W, Liang Y, Lin H, Wu J, Cui Y, Su X, Zeng D. Associations of Obesity, Physical Activity, and Screening With State-Level Trends and Racial and Ethnic Disparities of Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the US. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2216958. [PMID: 35699957 PMCID: PMC9198742 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.16958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Breast cancer causes disproportionate disease burden among various racial and ethnic groups in the US. However, state-level temporal trends and racial and ethnic disparities and whether metabolic and lifestyle factors and screening access are associated with temporal changes remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate temporal trends and racial and ethnic variations at the state level and ecological correlations between obesity, physical activity, and mammography screening and breast cancer incidence and mortality trends among women in the US. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze breast cancer incidence and mortality trends among women in the US from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2017, whereas an ecological analysis was performed to assess the associations. Data were analyzed from March 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021. Population-based cancer registry data were obtained from US Cancer Statistics incidence and mortality data. Prevalence of obesity, physical activity, and mammography screening were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. EXPOSURES Prevalence of obesity, physical activity, and mammography screening. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Breast cancer incidence and mortality trends from 1999 to 2017 in the 50 US states and the District of Columbia. RESULTS A total of 4 136 123 breast cancer cases and 782 454 deaths were included in the analysis, with a significant reduction in incidence (average annual percent change [AAPC], -0.4% [95% CI, -0.6% to -0.2%)]) and mortality (AAPC, -1.7% [95% CI, -1.8% to -1.5%]) during the study period. A significant state-level variation in breast cancer incidence and mortality between White women and those of other races and ethnicities was observed. A significant positive correlation was found between obesity and breast cancer incidence (r = 0.316; P = .02) and mortality (r = 0.400; P = .004) and an inverse correlation was found between physical activity and incidence (r = -0.577; P < .001) in women 55 years or older and mammography screening and mortality trends (r = -0.644; P < .001) in women 40 years or older. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that racial and ethnic disparities exist at the state level with regard to breast cancer incidence and mortality among women in the US. Metabolic and lifestyle factors and screening access were associated with the observed trends and racial and ethnic disparities. Interventions targeting these factors may help reduce the incidence of breast cancer and related deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomin Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yuanke Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Haoyu Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jundong Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yukun Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xuefen Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - De Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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18
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Ji X, Sohn H, Sil S, Castellino SM. Moving Beyond Patient-Level Drivers of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Childhood Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022; 31:1154-1158. [PMID: 35642393 PMCID: PMC9203027 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-21-1068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial/ethnic disparities in childhood cancer survival persist despite advances in cancer biology and treatment. Survival rates are consistently lower among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic children as compared with non-Hispanic White children across a range of hematologic cancers and solid tumors. We provide a framework for considering complex systems and social determinants of health in research examining the drivers of racial/ethnic disparities in childhood cancer survival, given that pediatric patients' interactions with the healthcare system are filtered through their caregiver, family, and societal structure. Dismantling the multi-level (patient, family, healthcare system, and structural) barriers into modifiable drivers is critical to developing policies and interventions toward equitable health outcomes. This commentary highlights areas at the family, healthcare system, and society levels that merit closer examination and proposes actions and interventions to support improvements across these levels. See recently published article in the November issue of CEBP, Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Childhood Cancer Survival in the United States p. 2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Ji
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of
Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center,
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Heeju Sohn
- Department of Sociology, Emory University, Atlanta,
Georgia
| | - Soumitri Sil
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of
Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center,
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sharon M. Castellino
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of
Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center,
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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Islami F, Guerra CE, Minihan A, Yabroff KR, Fedewa SA, Sloan K, Wiedt TL, Thomson B, Siegel RL, Nargis N, Winn RA, Lacasse L, Makaroff L, Daniels EC, Patel AV, Cance WG, Jemal A. American Cancer Society's report on the status of cancer disparities in the United States, 2021. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 72:112-143. [PMID: 34878180 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this report, the authors provide comprehensive and up-to-date US data on disparities in cancer occurrence, major risk factors, and access to and utilization of preventive measures and screening by sociodemographic characteristics. They also review programs and resources that have reduced cancer disparities and provide policy recommendations to further mitigate these inequalities. The overall cancer death rate is 19% higher among Black males than among White males. Black females also have a 12% higher overall cancer death rate than their White counterparts despite having an 8% lower incidence rate. There are also substantial variations in death rates for specific cancer types and in stage at diagnosis, survival, exposure to risk factors, and receipt of preventive measures and screening by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. For example, kidney cancer death rates by sex among American Indian/Alaska Native people are ≥64% higher than the corresponding rates in each of the other racial/ethnic groups, and the 5-year relative survival for all cancers combined is 14% lower among residents of poorer counties than among residents of more affluent counties. Broad and equitable implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as increasing health insurance coverage through Medicaid expansion or other initiatives, could substantially reduce cancer disparities. However, progress will require not only equitable local, state, and federal policies but also broad interdisciplinary engagement to elevate and address fundamental social inequities and longstanding systemic racism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Islami
- Cancer Disparity Research, Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Carmen E Guerra
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adair Minihan
- Screening and Risk Factors Research, Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Health Services Research, Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stacey A Fedewa
- Screening and Risk Factors Research, Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kirsten Sloan
- Public Policy, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Tracy L Wiedt
- Health Equity, Prevention and Early Detection, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Blake Thomson
- Cancer Disparity Research, Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rebecca L Siegel
- Surveillance Research, Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nigar Nargis
- Tobacco Control Research, Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robert A Winn
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Lisa Lacasse
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Laura Makaroff
- Prevention and Early Detection, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elvan C Daniels
- Extramural Discovery Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alpa V Patel
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William G Cance
- Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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