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Islam JY, Hathaway CA, Hume E, Turner K, Hallanger-Johnson J, Tworoger SS, Camacho-Rivera M. Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Cancer Care Continuity During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Those With SARS-CoV-2. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2412050. [PMID: 38767916 PMCID: PMC11107297 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Racially and ethnically minoritized US adults were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and experience poorer cancer outcomes, including inequities in cancer treatment delivery. Objective To evaluate racial and ethnic disparities in cancer treatment delays and discontinuations (TDDs) among patients with cancer and SARS-CoV-2 during different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Survey on COVID-19 in Oncology Registry (data collected from April 2020 to September 2022), including patients with cancer also diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during their care at 69 US practices. Racial and ethnic differences were examined during 5 different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States based on case surge (before July 2020, July to November 2020, December 2020 to March 2021, April 2021 to February 2022, and March to September 2022). Exposures Race and ethnicity. Main Outcomes and Measures TDD was defined as any cancer treatment postponed more than 2 weeks or cancelled with no plans to reschedule. To evaluate TDD associations with race and ethnicity, adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression, accounting for nonindependence of patients within clinics, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, cancer type, cancer extent, and SARS-CoV-2 severity (severe defined as death, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, or mechanical ventilation). Results A total of 4054 patients with cancer and SARS-CoV-2 were included (143 [3.5%] American Indian or Alaska Native, 176 [4.3%] Asian, 517 [12.8%] Black or African American, 469 [11.6%] Hispanic or Latinx, and 2747 [67.8%] White; 2403 [59.3%] female; 1419 [35.1%] aged 50-64 years; 1928 [47.7%] aged ≥65 years). The analysis focused on patients scheduled (at SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis) to receive drug-based therapy (3682 [90.8%]), radiation therapy (382 [9.4%]), surgery (218 [5.4%]), or transplant (30 [0.7%]), of whom 1853 (45.7%) experienced TDD. Throughout the pandemic, differences in racial and ethnic inequities based on case surge with overall TDD decreased over time. In multivariable analyses, non-Hispanic Black (third wave: aPR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.31-1.85) and Hispanic or Latinx (third wave: aPR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.13-1.62) patients with cancer were more likely to experience TDD compared with non-Hispanic White patients during the first year of the pandemic. By 2022, non-Hispanic Asian patients (aPR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.08-2.12) were more likely to experience TDD compared with non-Hispanic White patients, and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native patients were less likely (aPR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16-0.89). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of patients with cancer and SARS-CoV-2, racial and ethnic inequities existed in TDD throughout the pandemic; however, the disproportionate burden among racially and ethnically minoritized patients with cancer varied across SARS-CoV-2 waves. These inequities may lead to downstream adverse impacts on cancer mortality among minoritized adults in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y. Islam
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Cassandra A. Hathaway
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Emma Hume
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kea Turner
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Shelley S. Tworoger
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- Division of Oncological Sciences, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Marlene Camacho-Rivera
- Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, New York
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Mohanna M, Herrán M, Dominguez B, Sabbagh S, Msheik A, Itani M, Saba L, Iska S, Liang H, Diaz CM, Nahleh Z. "You matter": patients perceptions and disparities about cancer care and telehealth during and after COVID-19 pandemic. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:236. [PMID: 38506939 PMCID: PMC10954847 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Disparities in cancer care have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to establish how telehealth mitigated the effect of COVID-19 on the healthcare sector and to identify potential disparities in perception and experience with telehealth in cancer care during and after the pandemic. METHODS We identified individuals with an established cancer diagnosis who received treatment at a comprehensive academic cancer center with a diverse patient population between 2019 and 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were asked to complete a self-administrated survey intended to collect patient-reported outcomes on socioeconomic and mental health challenges incurred during the pandemic as well as participants' experience with telehealth. The assessment was adapted from a 21-question-based survey applied for mental health. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and the response to the survey items. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess and analyze the contributing factors to the survey responses. RESULTS A total of N = 136 participants were included in this analysis. The majority of participants (60.6%) reported increased anxiety, stress, or experience of distress as a direct result of COVID-19. However, among 54.1% of survey responders participated in a telehealth appointment and 84.4% agreed it was an easy and effective experience. CONCLUSION Elderly, male, and black participants reported the worst impact related to the pandemic. The majority of patients had a positive experience with telehealth. The results of the study suggest that telehealth services can serve as a tool for patients with cancer during and beyond active treatment to access supportive services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mohanna
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL, 33331, USA.
| | - María Herrán
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL, 33331, USA
| | - Barbara Dominguez
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL, 33331, USA
| | - Saad Sabbagh
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL, 33331, USA
| | - Ali Msheik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mira Itani
- Department of Family Medicine, Emory, Atlanta, Ga, USA
| | - Ludovic Saba
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL, 33331, USA
| | - Sindu Iska
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Hong Liang
- Department of Research, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, USA
| | - Caroline Metzel Diaz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL, 33331, USA
| | - Zeina Nahleh
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL, 33331, USA
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Semprini J, Pagedar NA, Boakye EA, Osazuwa-Peters N. Head and Neck Cancer Incidence in the United States Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 150:193-200. [PMID: 38206603 PMCID: PMC10784997 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.4322] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Importance Research about population-level changes in the incidence and stage of head and neck cancer (HNC) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is sparse. Objective To examine the change in localized vs advanced HNC incidence rates before and during the first year of the pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study of patients in the US diagnosed with HNC from 2017 to 2020, the estimated number with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx (floor of mouth; gum and other mouth; lip; oropharynx and tonsil; and tongue) and larynx were identified from the SEER cancer registry. Subgroup analyses were stratified by race and ethnicity, age, and sex. Data were analyzed after the latest update in April 2023. Exposure The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were the annual incidence rates per 100 000 people for localized HNC (includes both localized and regional stages) and advanced HNC (distant stage) and weighted average annual percentage change from 2019 to 2020. Secondary outcomes included annual percentage change for 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019, which provided context for comparison. Results An estimated 21 664 patients (15 341 [71%] male; 10 726 [50%] ≥65 years) were diagnosed with oral cavity and pharynx cancer in 2019 in the US, compared with 20 390 (4355 [70%] male; 10 393 [51%] ≥65 years) in 2020. Overall, the HNC incidence rate per 100 000 people declined from 11.6 cases in 2019 to 10.8 in 2020. The incidence rate of localized cancer declined to 8.8 cases (-7.9% [95% CI, -7.5 to -8.2]) from 2019 to 2020. The localized cancer incidence during the first year of the pandemic decreased the most among male patients (-9.3% [95% CI, -9.2 to -9.5]), Hispanic patients (-12.9% [95% CI, -12.9 to -13.0]), and individuals with larynx cancer (-14.3% [95% CI, -13.6 to -15.0]). No change in the overall incidence rate was found for advanced HNC. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, the incidence of localized HNC declined during the first year of the pandemic. A subsequent increase in advanced-stage diagnoses may be observed in later years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Semprini
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City
| | - Nitin A Pagedar
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City
| | - Eric Adjei Boakye
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Saez-Clarke E, Otto AK, Prinsloo S, Natori A, Wagner RW, Gomez TI, Ochoa JM, Tworoger SS, Ulrich CM, Hathaway CA, Peoples AR, Antoni MH, Bower JE, Cohen L, Penedo FJ. Development and initial psychometric evaluation of a COVID-related psychosocial experiences questionnaire for cancer survivors. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:3475-3494. [PMID: 37358738 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03456-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors are at elevated risk of psychological problems related to COVID-19, yet no published measure adequately assesses their psychosocial experiences during the pandemic. PURPOSE Describe the development and factor structure of a comprehensive, self-report measure (COVID-19 Practical and Psychosocial Experiences questionnaire [COVID-PPE]) assessing the pandemic's impact on US cancer survivors. METHODS The sample (n = 10,584) was divided into three groups to assess COVID-PPE factor structure by conducting: (1) initial calibration/exploratory analysis of the factor structure of 37 items (n = 5070), (2) confirmatory factor analysis of the best-fitting model (36 items after item removal; n = 5140), and (3) post-hoc confirmatory analysis with an additional six items not collected in the first two groups (42 items; n = 374). RESULTS The final COVID-PPE was divided into two sets of subscales, conceptualized as Risk Factors and Protective Factors. The five Risk Factors subscales were labeled Anxiety Symptoms, Depression Symptoms, Health Care Disruptions, Disruptions to Daily Activities and Social Interactions, and Financial Hardship. The four Protective Factors subscales were labeled Perceived Benefits, Provider Satisfaction, Perceived Stress Management Skills, and Social Support. Internal consistency was acceptable for seven subscales (αs = 0.726-0.895; ωs = 0.802-0.895) but poor or questionable for the remaining two subscales (αs = 0.599-0.681; ωs = 0.586-0.692). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first published self-report measure comprehensively capturing psychosocial impact-both positive and negative-of the pandemic on cancer survivors. Future work should evaluate predictive utility of COVID-PPE subscales, particularly as the pandemic evolves, which may inform recommendations for cancer survivors and facilitate identification of survivors most in need of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefany Saez-Clarke
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Amy K Otto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, MN, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sarah Prinsloo
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Akina Natori
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Richard W Wagner
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Telma I Gomez
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jewel M Ochoa
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shelley S Tworoger
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cornelia M Ulrich
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Cassandra A Hathaway
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Anita R Peoples
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Michael H Antoni
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Julienne E Bower
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry/Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Cohen
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Frank J Penedo
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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Rice RC, Schick S, Ruckle D, Jesurajan J, Gulbrandsen MT, Roiz R. Increased Risk of Surgical Field Contamination from Acute Pre-operative Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis (Lice) Infestation - A Case Report of Two Twin Pediatric Patients. J Orthop Case Rep 2023; 13:103-107. [PMID: 37753121 PMCID: PMC10519301 DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2023.v13.i09.3894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Little is known about the perioperative management of Pediculus capitis (lice) infestations, including risk of contamination to the sterile field, whether to delay surgery, and optimal time to treat and/or operate. Case Report Two identical twin patients presented for elective in situ percutaneous pinning of chronic slipped capital femoral epiphyses. Active pediculosis capitis was noted intraoperatively by the anesthesia team during the first patient's surgery. Meticulous examination of the sterile field at that time demonstrated no organisms or other sources of contamination. The second patient's surgery was delayed to discuss her case with the infectious disease team. Scant literature exists to guide recommendations. Ultimately, a single permethrin treatment immediately before surgery was recommended and followed by our team. After careful prepping and draping, a louse was observed on the sterile field near the planned pin insertion site. The case was immediately canceled and delayed indefinitely. After two additional treatments over the next 4 days, only eggs (but no active insects) were observed in the patient's hair. We elected to proceed to surgery at that time, which concluded without issue. Conclusion The surgical implications of an active lice infestation are numerous. Administration of antiparasitic medication in the immediate pre-operative period causes increased movement in pediculosis capitis, which may increase risk of sterile field contamination. Elective procedures should be postponed to complete multiple rounds of permethrin. In cases of urgent/emergent surgery, or in which treatment delay is unfeasible, foregoing delousing treatment in the immediate pre-operative period may be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Casey Rice
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Samuel Schick
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Ruckle
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Jose Jesurajan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Matthew T Gulbrandsen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Ronald Roiz
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
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