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Lee H, Baeker Bispo J, Pal Choudhury P, Wiese D, Jemal A, Islami F. Factors contributing to differences in cervical cancer screening in rural and urban community health centers. Cancer 2024; 130:2315-2324. [PMID: 38523461 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35265] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community health centers (CHCs) provide historically marginalized populations with primary care, including cancer screening. Previous studies have reported that women living in rural areas are less likely to be up to date with cervical cancer screening than women living in urban areas. However, little is known about rural-urban differences in cervical cancer screening in CHCs and the contributing factors, and whether such differences changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Using 8-year pooled Uniform Data System (2014-2021) data and Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition, the extent to which CHC- and catchment area-level characteristics explained rural-urban differences in up-to-date cervical cancer screening was estimated. RESULTS Up-to-date cervical cancer screening was lower in rural CHCs than urban CHCs (38.2% vs 43.0% during 2014-2019), and this difference increased during the pandemic (43.5% vs 49.0%). The rural-urban difference in cervical cancer screening in 2014-2019 was mostly explained by differences in CHC-level proportions of patients with limited English proficiency (55.9%) or income below the poverty level (12.3%) and females aged 21 to 64 years (9.8%), and catchment area-level's unemployment (3.4%) and primary care physician density (3.2%). However, Medicaid (-48.5%) or no insurance (-19.6%) counterbalanced the differences between rural-urban CHCs. The contribution of these factors to rural-urban differences in cervical cancer screening generally increased in 2020-2021. CONCLUSIONS Rural-urban differences in cervical cancer screening were mostly explained by multiple CHC-level and catchment area-level characteristics. The findings call for tailored interventions, such as providing resources and language services, to improve cancer screening utilization among uninsured, Medicaid, and patients with limited English proficiency in rural CHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Lee
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jordan Baeker Bispo
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Parichoy Pal Choudhury
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel Wiese
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Farhad Islami
- Surveillance & Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Liss DT, Yang TY, Hamielec M, McAuliff K, Rusie LK, Mohanty N. Checkup Visits in Adult Federally Qualified Health Center Patients: a Retrospective Cohort Study. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:1378-1385. [PMID: 38100007 PMCID: PMC11169303 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Checkup visits (i.e., general health checks) can increase preventive service completion and lead to improved treatment of new chronic illnesses. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive service completion decreased in many groups that receive care in safety net settings. OBJECTIVE To examine potential benefits associated with checkups in federally qualified health center (FQHC) patients. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study, from March 2018 to February 2022. PATIENTS Adults at seven FQHCs in Illinois. INTERVENTIONS Checkups during a two-year Baseline (i.e., pre-COVID-19) period and two-year COVID-19 period. MAIN MEASURES The primary outcome was COVID-19 period checkup completion. Secondary outcomes were: mammography completion; new diagnoses of four common chronic illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, depression, or high cholesterol), and; initiation of chronic illness medications. KEY RESULTS Among 106,114 included patients, race/ethnicity was most commonly Latino/Hispanic (42.1%) or non-Hispanic Black (30.2%). Most patients had Medicaid coverage (40.4%) or were uninsured (33.9%). While 21.0% of patients completed a checkup during Baseline, only 15.3% did so during the COVID-19 period. In multivariable regression analysis, private insurance (versus Medicaid) was positively associated with COVID-19 period checkup completion (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval, [CI], 1.10-1.19), while non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (versus Latino/Hispanic) was inversely associated with checkup completion (aRR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85-0.93). In secondary outcome analysis, COVID-19 period checkup completion was associated with 61% greater probability of mammography (aRR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.52-1.71), and significantly higher probability of diagnosis, and treatment initiation, for all four chronic illnesses. In exploratory interaction analysis, checkup completion was more modestly associated with diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and high cholesterol in some younger age groups (versus age ≥ 65). CONCLUSIONS In this large FQHC cohort, checkup completion markedly decreased during the pandemic. Checkup completion was associated with preventive service completion, chronic illness detection, and initiation of chronic illness treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Liss
- Health Services Research Scientist, AllianceChicago, 225 W. Illinois Street, 5Th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Ta-Yun Yang
- Health Services Research Scientist, AllianceChicago, 225 W. Illinois Street, 5Th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA
| | - Magdalena Hamielec
- Health Services Research Scientist, AllianceChicago, 225 W. Illinois Street, 5Th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA
| | | | | | - Nivedita Mohanty
- Health Services Research Scientist, AllianceChicago, 225 W. Illinois Street, 5Th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Johnson KJ, O’Connell CP, Waken RJ, Barnes JM. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer screening in a large midwestern United States academic medical center. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303280. [PMID: 38768115 PMCID: PMC11104587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303280] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to breast screening mammogram services decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objectives were to estimate: 1) the COVID-19 affected period, 2) the proportion of pandemic-associated missed or delayed screening encounters, and 3) pandemic-associated patient attrition in screening encounters overall and by sociodemographic subgroup. METHODS We included screening mammogram encounter EPIC data from 1-1-2019 to 12-31-2022 for females ≥40 years old. We used Bayesian State Space models to describe weekly screening mammogram counts, modeling an interruption that phased in and out between 3-1-2020 and 9-1-2020. We used the posterior predictive distribution to model differences between a predicted, uninterrupted process and the observed screening mammogram counts. We estimated associations between race/ethnicity and age group and return screening mammogram encounters during the pandemic among those with 2019 encounters using logistic regression. RESULTS Our analysis modeling weekly screening mammogram counts included 231,385 encounters (n = 127,621 women). Model-estimated screening mammograms dropped by >98% between 03-15-2020 and 05-24-2020 followed by a return to pre-pandemic levels or higher with similar results by race/ethnicity and age group. Among 79,257 women, non-Hispanic (NH) Asians, NH Blacks, and Hispanics had significantly (p < .05) lower odds of screening encounter returns during 2020-2022 vs. NH Whites with odds ratios (ORs) from 0.70 to 0.91. Among 79,983 women, those 60-69 had significantly higher odds of any return screening encounter during 2020-2022 (OR = 1.28), while those ≥80 and 40-49 had significantly lower odds (ORs 0.77, 0.45) than those 50-59 years old. A sensitivity analysis suggested a possible pre-existing pattern. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a short-term pandemic effect on screening mammograms of ~2 months with no evidence of disparities. However, we observed racial/ethnic disparities in screening mammogram returns during the pandemic that may be at least partially pre-existing. These results may inform future pandemic planning and continued efforts to eliminate mammogram screening disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J. Johnson
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Caitlin P. O’Connell
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - R. J. Waken
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Center for Advancing Health Services, Policy & Economics Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Justin M. Barnes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Khan MMM, Munir MM, Woldesenbet S, Endo Y, Khalil M, Tsilimigras D, Harzman A, Huang E, Kalady M, Pawlik TM. Association of COVID-19 Pandemic with Colorectal Cancer Screening: Impact of Race/Ethnicity and Social Vulnerability. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:3222-3232. [PMID: 38361094 PMCID: PMC10997707 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15029-x] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health care delivery, including cancer screening practices. This study sought to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening relative to social vulnerability. METHODS Using the Medicare Standard Analytic File, individuals 65 years old or older who were eligible for guideline-concordant CRC screening between 2019 and 2021 were identified. These data were merged with the Center for Disease Control Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) dataset. Changes in county-level monthly screening volumes relative to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020) and easing of restrictions (March 2021) were assessed relative to SVI. RESULTS Among 10,503,180 individuals continuously enrolled in Medicare with no prior diagnosis of CRC, 1,362,457 (12.97%) underwent CRC screening between 2019 and 2021. With the COVID-19 pandemic, CRC screening decreased markedly across the United States (median monthly screening: pre-pandemic [n = 76,444] vs pandemic era [n = 60,826]; median Δn = 15,618; p < 0.001). The 1-year post-pandemic overall CRC screening utilization generally rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels (monthly median screening volumes: pandemic era [n = 60,826] vs post-pandemic [n = 74,170]; median Δn = 13,344; p < 0.001). Individuals residing in counties with the highest SVI experienced a larger decline in CRC screening odds than individuals residing in low-SVI counties (reference, low SVI: pre-pandemic high SVI [OR, 0.85] vs pandemic high SVI [OR, 0.81] vs post-pandemic high SVI [OR, 0.85]; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decrease in CRC screening volumes. Patients who resided in high social vulnerability areas experienced the greatest pandemic-related decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi Khan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Muhammad Musaab Munir
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mujtaba Khalil
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Diamantis Tsilimigras
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alan Harzman
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emily Huang
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Kalady
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Fefferman M, Kuchta K, Wang C, Nicholson K, Kopkash K, Pesce C, Poli E, Smith TW, Yao K. Rates of newly diagnosed breast cancer at commission on cancer facilities during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6874. [PMID: 38140789 PMCID: PMC10807625 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6874] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases at Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited facilities relative to the United States (U.S.) population. METHODS We examined the incidence of breast cancer cases at CoC sites using the U.S. Census population as the denominator. Breast cancer incidence was stratified by patient age, race and ethnicity, and geographic location. RESULTS A total of 1,499,806 patients with breast cancer were included. For females, breast cancer cases per 100,000 individuals went from 188 in 2015 to 203 in 2019 and then dropped to 176 in 2020 with a 15.7% decrease from 2019 to 2020. Breast cancer cases per 100,000 males went from 1.7 in 2015 to 1.8 in 2019 and then declined to 1.5 in 2020 with a 21.8% decrease from 2019 to 2020. For both females and males, cases per 100,000 individuals decreased from 2019 to 2020 for almost all age groups. For females, rates dropped from 2019 to 2020 for all races and ethnicities and geographic locations. The largest percent change was seen among Hispanic patients (-18.4%) and patients in the Middle Atlantic division (-18.6%). The stage distribution (0-IV) for female and male patients remained stable from 2018 to 2020. CONCLUSION The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decreased number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases at Commission on Cancer sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Fefferman
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Kristine Kuchta
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
| | - Chi‐Hsiung Wang
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
| | - Kyra Nicholson
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Katherine Kopkash
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Catherine Pesce
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Elizabeth Poli
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Thomas W. Smith
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Katharine Yao
- Department of SurgeryNorthShore University Health System, Evanston HospitalEvanstonIllinoisUSA
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Chicago, Pritzker School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Portero de la Cruz S, Béjar LM, Cebrino J. Temporal Evolution and Associated Factors of Adherence to Mammography Screening among Women in Spain: Results from Two National Health Surveys (2017-2020). Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2934. [PMID: 37998426 PMCID: PMC10671473 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222934] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ensuring equity in cancer screening is recommended by the European Commission. Despite the fact that breast cancer screening is a free population-based program in Spain, there remains considerable variation in the adherence to screening rate among population groups. This study was designed to describe the adherence of breast cancer screening in women in Spain, to evaluate the evolution in the period from 2017 to 2020, and to determine the variables that influence choosing to undergo breast cancer screening. A nationwide cross-sectional study with 7220 females aged 50-69 years from the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey and the 2020 European Health Survey for Spain was performed. We investigated mammography uptake rates, with socio-demographic factors, lifestyle habits, and health-related characteristics as independent variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of mammography adherence. Of the women, 78% had undergone mammography in the previous two years, and there was a significant decrease in the uptake rate for breast cancer screening from 2017 (81.23%) to 2020 (74.68%) (p < 0.001). Educational level, marital status, residential location, nationality, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and leisure-time physical activity were all associated factors of mammography uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Portero de la Cruz
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, Avda. Menéndez Pidal, S/N, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Research Group GE10 Clinical and Epidemiological Research in Primary Care, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Luis M. Béjar
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Avda. Doctor Fedriani, S/N, 41009 Seville, Spain; (L.M.B.); (J.C.)
| | - Jesús Cebrino
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Avda. Doctor Fedriani, S/N, 41009 Seville, Spain; (L.M.B.); (J.C.)
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Kawamura C, Iwagami M, Sun Y, Komiyama J, Ito T, Sugiyama T, Bando H, Tamiya N. Factors associated with non-participation in breast cancer screening: analysis of the 2016 and 2019 comprehensive survey of living conditions in Japan. Breast Cancer 2023; 30:952-964. [PMID: 37488365 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01486-x] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The participation rate for breast cancer screening remains to be suboptimal in Japan. Therefore, it is important to identify factors associated with non-participation and identify people at high risk for non-participation. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional study using the data of women aged 40-74 years from the 2016 and 2019 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions. We selected candidate predictor variables from the survey sheets and conducted a multivariable logistic regression for non-participation in breast cancer screening for the past 2 years. In addition, using data from 2016, we created an integer risk score for non-participation and tested its predictive performance in 2019. RESULTS The proportion of participants in breast cancer screening in 2016 and 2019 were 46.7% (50,177/107,513) and 48.7% (49,498/101,716), respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age over 50 years, single/divorced/widowed, lower education level, lower household expenditure, being insured for National Health Insurance, employed to small/middle scale company, non-regularly employed, current smoker, never/quit drinking or middle/high-risk drinking, lower self-rated health status, higher Kessler Psychological Distress Scale score, non-participation in the annual health checkups for diseases other than cancer, not constantly visiting hospitals/clinics showed a positive association with non-participation. The 9-item risk score (age, marital status, education, health insurance plan, employment, smoking, drinking, non-participation in the annual health checkups for diseases other than cancer, and not constantly visiting hospitals/clinics) and 3-item risk score (age, health insurance plan, non-participation in the annual health checkups for diseases other than cancer) showed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.744 and 0.720, respectively. CONCLUSION We identified factors associated with non-participation in breast cancer screening. The simple risk score would be useful for public health sectors to identify people at risk for non-participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitose Kawamura
- Department of Health Services Research, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masao Iwagami
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Jun Komiyama
- Department of Health Services Research, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ito
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takehiro Sugiyama
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Diabetes and Metabolism Information Center, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Bando
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Nanako Tamiya
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Health Services Research and Development Center, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Chen N, Cheng D, Sodipo MO, Barnard ME, DuPre NC, Tamimi RM, Warner ET. Impact of age, race, and family history on COVID-19-related changes in breast cancer screening among the Boston mammography cohort study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 202:335-343. [PMID: 37624552 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07083-y] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We studied women enrolled in the Boston Mammography Cohort Study to investigate whether subgroups defined by age, race, or family history of breast cancer experienced differences in the incidence of screening or diagnostic imaging rates during the COVID-19 lockdown and had slower rebound in the incidence of these rates during reopening. METHODS We compared the incidence of monthly breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging rates over during the pre-COVID-19 (January 2019-February 2020), lockdown (March-May 2020), and reopening periods (June-December 2020), and tested for differences in the monthly incidence within the same period by age (< 50 vs ≥ 50), race (White vs non-White), and first-degree family history of breast cancer (yes vs no). RESULTS Overall, we observed a decline in breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging rates over the three time periods (pre-COVID-19, lockdown, and reopening). The monthly incidence of breast cancer screening rates for women age ≥ 50 was 5% higher (p = 0.005) in the pre-COVID-19 period (January 2019-February 2020) but was 19% lower in the reopening phase (June-December 2020) than that of women aged < 50 (p < 0.001). White participants had 36% higher monthly incidence of breast cancer diagnostic imaging rates than non-White participants (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION The rebound in screening was lower in women age ≥ 50 and lower in non-White women for diagnostic imaging. Careful attention must be paid as the COVID-19 recovery continues to ensure equitable resumption of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyu Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Cheng
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle O Sodipo
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mollie E Barnard
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalie C DuPre
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erica T Warner
- Clinical Translational Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Myers C, Waldron C, Bennett K, Cahir C. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women living with and beyond breast cancer: a qualitative study of women's experiences and how they varied by social determinants of health. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:867. [PMID: 37715181 PMCID: PMC10503161 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11351-x] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to explore the general impact of COVID-19 on the access and use of BC services and support and overall well-being in women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) and to investigate how these experiences varied by the social determinants of health (SDH). METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with women selected through stratified purposive sampling to ensure data were available on information-rich cases. Interviews were conducted in early 2021 during government restrictions due to COVID-19. Thematic analysis was conducted to obtain overall experience and variation of experience based on SDH. RESULTS Thirty seven women participated in interviews. Three major themes, with additional subthemes, emerged from analysis: 1. breast cancer services (screening, active treatment, and routine care); 2. breast cancer support and communication (continuity of care, role of liaison, and support services); and 3. quality of life (QoL) and well-being (emotional well-being; social well-being; and functional well-being). Women's experiences within the themes varied by socio-economic status (SES) and region of residence (urban/rural) specifically for BC services and support. CONCLUSION The pandemic impacted women living with and beyond BC, but the impact has not been the same for all women. This study highlights areas for improvement in the context of BC care in Ireland and the findings will inform further policy and practice, including standardized BC services, improved communication, and enhancement of cancer support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Myers
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Catherine Waldron
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Lee R, Xu W, Dozier M, McQuillan R, Theodoratou E, Figueroa J. A rapid review of COVID-19's global impact on breast cancer screening participation rates and volumes from January to December 2020. eLife 2023; 12:e85680. [PMID: 37698273 PMCID: PMC10569787 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has strained population breast mammography screening programs that aim to diagnose and treat breast cancers earlier. As the pandemic has affected countries differently, we aimed to quantify changes in breast screening volume and uptake during the first year of COVID-19 . We systematically searched Medline, the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 database, and governmental databases. Studies covering January 2020 to March 2022 were included. We extracted and analyzed data regarding study methodology, screening volume, and uptake. To assess for risk of bias, we used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool. Twenty-six cross-sectional descriptive studies (focusing on 13 countries/nations) were included out of 935 independent records. Reductions in screening volume and uptake rates were observed among eight countries. Changes in screening participation volume in five nations with national population-based screening ranged from -13 to -31%. Among two countries with limited population-based programs, the decline ranged from -61 to -41%. Within the USA, population participation volumes varied ranging from +18 to -39%, with suggestion of differences by insurance status (HMO, Medicare, and low-income programs). Almost all studies had high risk of bias due to insufficient statistical analysis and confounding factors. The extent of COVID-19-induced reduction in breast screening participation volume differed by region and data suggested potential differences by healthcare setting (e.g., national health insurance vs. private healthcare). Recovery efforts should monitor access to screening and early diagnosis to determine whether prevention services need strengthening to increase the coverage of disadvantaged groups and reduce disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagan Lee
- Usher Institute, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Wei Xu
- Usher Institute, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Global Health, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Marshall Dozier
- Information Services, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Ruth McQuillan
- Usher Institute, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Evropi Theodoratou
- Centre for Global Health, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Jonine Figueroa
- Centre for Global Health, University of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer InstituteBethesdaUnited States
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11
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Ganguly AP, Baker KK, Redman MW, McClintock AH, Yung RL. Racial disparities in the screening mammography continuum within a heterogeneous health care system. Cancer 2023; 129:3171-3181. [PMID: 37691529 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreased mammography drives breast cancer disparities. Black women have lower rates of mammography completion than White women, and this contributes to disparities in outcomes. Points of disparity along the continuum for screening mammography remain underresearched. METHODS The authors compared mammography referrals for Black and White women aged 40-74 years at a heterogeneous academic medical center. Completion of steps of the screening mammography continuum was compared between Black and White women within two age cohorts: 40-49 and 50-74 years. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between race and mammogram completion. RESULTS Among 26,476 women, 3090 (12%) were Black, and 23,386 (88%) were White. Among Black women aged 50-74 years who were due for mammography, 40% had referrals, 39% were scheduled, and 21% completed mammography; the corresponding values for White women were 42%, 41%, and 27%, respectively. Similar differences in referral outcomes were noted for women aged 40-49 years, although Black women had lower rates of provider-initiated referrals (9% vs. 13%). Adjusted analyses for those aged 40-49 and 50-74 years demonstrated an association between Black race and lower rates of mammography completion (odds ratio [OR] for 40-49 years, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.95; p = .02; OR for 50-74 years, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.98; p = .02). In multivariable analyses, noncommercial insurance and higher comorbidity were associated with lower rates of mammography. Provider-initiated referral was positively correlated to mammogram completion. CONCLUSIONS Black race was associated with 15%-26% lower mammography completion (adjusted). Both groups experienced the highest attrition after scheduling mammograms, although attrition was more precipitous for Black women. These findings have implications for future interventions, including increasing provider-initiated referrals and decreasing barriers to attending scheduled mammograms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha P Ganguly
- Center for Innovation and Value, Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kelsey K Baker
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mary W Redman
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adelaide H McClintock
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rachel L Yung
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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12
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Zahnd WE, Silverman AF, Self S, Hung P, Natafgi N, Adams SA, Merrell MA, Owens OL, Crouch EL, Eberth JM. The COVID-19 pandemic impact on independent and provider-based rural health clinics' operations and cancer prevention and screening provision in the United States. J Rural Health 2023; 39:765-771. [PMID: 36869430 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted cancer care, but it is unknown how the pandemic has affected care in Medicare-certified rural health clinics (RHCs) where cancer prevention and screening services are critical for their communities. This study examined how the provision of these cancer services changed pre- and peri-pandemic overall and by RHC type (independent and provider-based). METHODS We administered a cross-sectional survey to a stratified random sample of RHCs to assess clinic characteristics, pandemic stressors, and the provision of cancer prevention and control services among RHCs pre- and peri-pandemic. We used McNemar's test and Wilcoxon signed rank tests to assess differences in the provision of cancer prevention and screening services pre- and peri-pandemic by RHC type. RESULTS Of the 153 responding RHCs (response rate of 8%), 93 (60.8%) were provider-based and 60 (39.2%) were independent. Both RHC types were similar in their experience of pandemic stressors, though a higher proportion of independent RHCs reported financial concerns and challenges obtaining personal protective equipment. Both types of RHCs provided fewer cancer prevention and screening services peri-pandemic-5.8 to 4.2 for provider-based and 5.3 to 3.5 for independent (P<.05 for both). Across lung, cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer-related services, the proportion of both RHC groups providing services dropped peri-pandemic. DISCUSSION The pandemic's impact on independent and provider-based RHCs and their patients was considerable. Going forward, greater resources should be targeted to RHCs-particularly independent RHCs-to ensure their ability to initiate and sustain evidence-based prevention and screening services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney E Zahnd
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Allie F Silverman
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stella Self
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nabil Natafgi
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Melinda A Merrell
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Otis L Owens
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Crouch
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Dornsife College of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Blavin FE, Smith LB, Dubay L, Basurto L. Assessing patterns in cancer screening use by race and ethnicity during the coronavirus pandemic using electronic health record data. Cancer Med 2023; 12:16548-16557. [PMID: 37347148 PMCID: PMC10469733 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus led to dramatic reductions in nonemergency medical care services during the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delayed or missed screenings can lead to more advanced stage cancer diagnoses with potentially worse health outcomes and exacerbate preexisting racial and ethnic disparities. The objective of this analysis was to examine how the pandemic affected rates of breast and colorectal cancer screenings by race and ethnicity. METHODS We analyzed panels of providers that placed orders in 2019-2020 for mammogram and colonoscopy cancer screenings using electronic health record (EHR) data. We used a difference-in-differences design to examine the extent to which changes in provider-level mammogram and colonoscopy orders declined over the first year of the pandemic and whether these changes differed across race and ethnicity groups. RESULTS We found considerable declines in both types of screenings from March through May 2020, relative to the same months in 2019, for all racial and ethnic groups. Some rebound in screenings occurred in June through December 2020, particularly among White and Black patients; however, use among other groups was still lower than expected. CONCLUSIONS This research suggests that many patients experienced missed or delayed screenings during the first few months of the pandemic, which could lead to detrimental health outcomes. Our findings also underscore the importance of having high-quality data on race and ethnicity to document and understand racial and ethnic disparities in access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredric E. Blavin
- Health Policy CenterUrban InstituteWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | | | - Lisa Dubay
- Health Policy CenterUrban InstituteWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Luis Basurto
- Duke University, Sanford School of Public PolicyDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
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14
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Han X, Yang NN, Nogueira L, Jiang C, Wagle NS, Zhao J, Shi KS, Fan Q, Schafer E, Yabroff KR, Jemal A. Changes in cancer diagnoses and stage distribution during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA: a cross-sectional nationwide assessment. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:855-867. [PMID: 37541271 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00293-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of COVID-19 disrupted health care, with consequences for cancer diagnoses and outcomes, especially for early stage diagnoses, which generally have favourable prognoses. We aimed to examine nationwide changes in adult cancer diagnoses and stage distribution during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic by cancer type and key sociodemographic factors in the USA. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, adults (aged ≥18 years) newly diagnosed with a first primary malignant cancer between Jan 1, 2018, and Dec 31, 2020, were identified from the US National Cancer Database. We included individuals across 50 US states and the District of Columbia who were treated in hospitals that were Commission on Cancer-accredited during the study period. Individuals whose cancer stage was 0 (except for bladder cancer), occult, or without an applicable American Joint Committee on Cancer staging scheme were excluded. Our primary outcomes were the change in the number and the change in the stage distribution of new cancer diagnoses between 2019 (Jan 1 to Dec 31) and 2020 (Jan 1 to Dec 31). Monthly counts and stage distributions were calculated for all cancers combined and for major cancer types. We also calculated annual change in stage distribution from 2019 to 2020 and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for age group, sex, race and ethnicity, health insurance status, comorbidity score, US state, zip code-level social deprivation index, and county-level age-adjusted COVID-19 mortality in 2020. Separate models were stratified by sociodemographic and clinical factors. FINDINGS We identified 2 404 050 adults who were newly diagnosed with cancer during the study period (830 528 in 2018, 849 290 in 2019, and 724 232 in 2020). Mean age was 63·5 years (SD 13·5) and 1 287 049 (53·5%) individuals were women, 1 117 001 (46·5%) were men, and 1 814 082 (75·5%) were non-Hispanic White. The monthly number of new cancer diagnoses (all stages) decreased substantially after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, 2020, although monthly counts returned to near pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2020. The decrease in diagnoses was largest for stage I disease, leading to lower odds of being diagnosed with stage I disease in 2020 than in 2019 (aOR 0·946 [95% CI 0·939-0·952] for stage I vs stage II-IV); whereas, the odds of being diagnosed with stage IV disease were higher in 2020 than in 2019 (1·074 [1·066-1·083] for stage IV vs stage I-III). This pattern was observed in most cancer types and sociodemographic groups, although was most prominent among Hispanic individuals (0·922 [0·899-0·946] for stage I; 1·110 [1·077-1·144] for stage IV), Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals (0·924 [0·892-0·956] for stage I; 1·096 [1·052-1·142] for stage IV), uninsured individuals (0·917 [0·875-0·961] for stage I; 1·102 [1·055-1·152] for stage IV), Medicare-insured adults younger than 65 years (0·909 [0·882-0·937] for stage I; 1·105 [1·068-1·144] for stage IV), and individuals living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas (0·931 [0·917-0·946] for stage I; 1·106 [1·087-1·125] for stage IV). INTERPRETATION Substantial cancer underdiagnosis and decreases in the proportion of early stage diagnoses occurred during 2020 in the USA, particularly among medically underserved individuals. Monitoring the long-term effects of the pandemic on morbidity, survival, and mortality is warranted. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA.
| | - Nuo Nova Yang
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Changchuan Jiang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nikita Sandeep Wagle
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Kewei Sylvia Shi
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Qinjin Fan
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Schafer
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Kennesaw, GA, USA
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15
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Myers C, Bennett K, Cahir C. Breast cancer care amidst a pandemic: a scoping review to understand the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on health services and health outcomes. Int J Qual Health Care 2023; 35:mzad048. [PMID: 37497806 PMCID: PMC10373113 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health services for breast cancer (BC) have been disrupted. Our scoping review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BC services, health outcomes, and well-being for women. Additionally, this review identifies social inequalities specific to BC during the pandemic. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines, the literature search was conducted using scientific databases starting from March 2020 through November 2021. Studies were identified and selected by two researchers based on inclusion criteria, and the relevant data were extracted and charted to summarize the findings. Ninety-three articles were included in this review. Main themes included are as follows: (i) the impact of COVID-19 on BC services; (ii) the impact of COVID-19 on health outcomes and well-being in women with BC; and (iii) any variation in the impact of COVID-19 on BC by social determinants of health. There were apparent disruptions to BC services across the cancer continuum, especially screening services. Clinical repercussions were a result of such disruptions, and women with BC experienced worsened quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Finally, there were social inequalities dependent on social determinants of health such as age, race, insurance status, and region. Due to the disruption of BC services during the COVID-19 pandemic, women were impacted on their health and overall well-being. The variation in impact demonstrates how health inequities have been exacerbated during the pandemic. This comprehensive review will inform timely health-care changes to minimize long-term impacts of the pandemic and improve evidence-based multidisciplinary needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Myers
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science, Dublin D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science, Dublin D02 DH60, Ireland
| | - Caitriona Cahir
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Science, Dublin D02 DH60, Ireland
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16
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Gong AJ, Lee EE, Visvanathan K, Oluyemi ET. Impact of Patient Navigation on Reducing Breast Imaging Disparities and Applications in the COVID-19 Era. JOURNAL OF BREAST IMAGING 2023; 5:346-350. [PMID: 38416882 DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbac093] [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: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted breast cancer screening with concerns that this may lead to increased overall breast cancer mortality and worsened racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer survival. As pandemic recovery efforts are underway, we must be prepared to address barriers to timely access of breast imaging services, including those that existed prior to the pandemic, as well as any new barriers that may arise as a result of the pandemic. Patient navigation is an important tool that has been shown to address barriers to timely breast imaging access and help reduce disparities. Patient navigation programs can serve as a key part of the strategy to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on timely breast cancer diagnosis. These programs have been shown to be successful in promoting adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines as well as encouraging timely diagnostic follow-up, particularly in underserved communities. Further research is needed to explore the role of using a telehealth platform for patient navigation and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of patient navigator programs as well as more randomized controlled trials to further explore the impact of patient navigation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Gong
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Radiology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emerson E Lee
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Radiology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kala Visvanathan
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eniola T Oluyemi
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Radiology, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Lomahan S, Rauscher GH, Murphy AM. The role of facility and patient mix factors on recovery of screening and diagnostic mammography volumes following the initial COVID-19 pandemic wave. Cancer Med 2023; 12:10877-10888. [PMID: 36924321 PMCID: PMC10225188 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5793] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The goal of this study was to understand the extent to which mammography facilities were able to recover monthly screening and diagnostic mammography volumes to their prepandemic levels and to determine what facility and patient mix factors were associated with recovery. METHOD Facilities, located in and adjacent to Cook County, Illinois, were eligible. In all, 58 screening and 30 diagnostic mammogram facilities submitted mammogram volumes by month with a cross-listing of patient ZIP codes by screening volumes. Monthly screening and diagnostic volumes for the 6-month immediate postpandemic period (July-December 2020) and for the subsequent postpandemic period (January-June 2021) were compared with the same months in 2019. ZIP code distributions were used to define patient mix characteristics related to disadvantage. RESULTS Compared with the prepandemic period, Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence conducted roughly 50 fewer monthly screening mammograms (95% CI: -91, -9) but 50 more diagnostic mammograms (95% CI: 24, 82) on average in the immediate postpandemic period. Facilities serving a predominantly Black population conducted roughly 50 fewer monthly screens (95% CI: -93, -13) without any increase in monthly diagnostics. CONCLUSION Highly accredited (and typically higher volume) facilities appeared to actively triage diagnostics, whereas lower resource facilities appeared to struggle to recover to prepandemic volumes without triage to diagnostics. The pandemic disproportionally impacted minority populations already affected by differential access to and utilization of high-quality mammography. Potential explanations are discussed. Policies should be strengthened to facilitate triaging of services during times of stress to the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Garth H. Rauscher
- Division of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- University of Illinois Cancer CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
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18
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Olimpiadi Y, Goldenberg AR, Postlewait L, Gillespie T, Arciero C, Styblo T, Cao Y, Switchenko JM, Rizzo M. Outcomes of the same-day discharge following mastectomy before, during and after COVID-19 pandemic. J Surg Oncol 2023; 127:761-767. [PMID: 36621857 PMCID: PMC10874497 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27195] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The majority of patients undergoing mastectomy before the COVID-19 pandemic were admitted for 23-h observation to the hospital. Indications for observation included drain care education, pain control and observation for possible early surgical complications. This study compared the rates of outpatient mastectomy before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and indirectly evaluated the safety of same-day discharge. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing mastectomy using Current Procedural Terminology code 19303. RESULTS A total of 357 patients were included: 113 were treated pre-COVID-19, 82 patients during COVID-19 and 162 post-COVID-19. The rate of outpatient mastectomies tripled during the pandemic from 17% to 51% (p < 0.001); after the pandemic remain high at 48%. The rate of bilateral mastectomies decreased during the pandemic to 30% from 48% prepandemic (p = 0.015). Pectoralis muscle block utilization increased during the COVID-19 period from 36% to 59% (p = 0.002). No difference in complication rates, including surgical site infections, hematomas, and readmissions, pre and during COVID. CONCLUSIONS The rate of outpatient mastectomy increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this timeframe, perioperative complications did not increase, suggesting the safety of this practice. After the pandemic, the rate of outpatient mastectomy continued to be significantly higher than pre-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Olimpiadi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alison R. Goldenberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauren Postlewait
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Theresa Gillespie
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cletus Arciero
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Toncred Styblo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yicun Cao
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Switchenko
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Monica Rizzo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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19
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Richman I, Tessier-Sherman B, Galusha D, Oladele CR, Wang K. Breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic: moving from disparities to health equity. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:139-145. [PMID: 36069622 PMCID: PMC9494402 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented disruptions to routine health care in the United States. Screening mammography, a cornerstone of breast cancer control and prevention, was completely halted in the spring of 2020, and screening programs have continued to face challenges with subsequent COVID-19 waves. Although screening mammography rates decreased for all women during the pandemic, a number of studies have now clearly documented that reductions in screening have been greater for some populations than others. Specifically, minoritized women have been screened at lower rates than White women across studies, although the specific patterns of disparity vary depending on the populations and communities studied. We posit that these disparities are likely due to a variety of structural and contextual factors, including the differential impact of COVID-19 on communities. We also outline key considerations for closing gaps in screening mammography. First, practices, health systems, and communities must measure screening mammography use to identify whether gaps exist and which populations are most affected. Second, we propose that strategies to close disparities in breast cancer screening must be multifaceted, targeting the health system or practice, but also structural factors at the policy level. Health disparities arise from a complex set of conditions, and multimodal solutions that address the complex, multifactorial conditions that lead to disparities may be more likely to succeed and are necessary for promoting health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Richman
- Correspondence to: Ilana Richman, MD, MHS, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar St, Harkness Hall A, Room 301a, New Haven, CT 06510, USA (e-mail: )
| | - Baylah Tessier-Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Equity Research and Innovation Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Deron Galusha
- Department of Medicine, Equity Research and Innovation Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carol R Oladele
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Medicine, Equity Research and Innovation Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karen Wang
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Medicine, Equity Research and Innovation Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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The First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Changes in Preventive Services in Community Health Centers. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:184-193. [PMID: 36273931 PMCID: PMC9584826 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community Health Centers provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to many underserved populations. It is unknown how routine preventive and chronic care services in Community Health Centers may have changed nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The 2014-2020 Health Resources and Services Administration Uniform Data System of Community Health Centers was used, and data analysis was conducted from November 2021 to May 2022. Data for clinical quality measures in 2020 were treated as during the pandemic, whereas receipt of care in 2019 and before were treated as before the pandemic. Outcomes included 6 clinical quality measures of being up to date for colorectal cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, tobacco screening and cessation counseling, BMI screening and follow-up, depression screening and follow-up, and aspirin use for ischemic vascular disease. A mixed effects regression model was used to estimate changes in measures by year. RESULTS Between 2019 and 2020, receipt of preventive services declined for each of the 6 clinical quality measures: from 40.8% to 37.7% for colorectal cancer screening, from 48.8% to 44.9% for cervical cancer screening, from 85.8% to 83.4% for tobacco screening and cessation counseling, from 70.7% to 65.4% for BMI screening and follow-up, from 71.1% to 64.9% for depression screening and follow-up, and from 81.5% to 79.4% for aspirin use for ischemic vascular disease. CONCLUSIONS Receipt of preventive services in Community Health Centers declined during the COVID-19 pandemic for each of the 6 clinical quality measures considered in the study. Immediate action is required to support ongoing high-quality, primary healthcare services in Community Health Centers across the nation.
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21
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Evaluating the Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Outcomes. Ann Plast Surg 2022; 89:670-674. [DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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22
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A first look at breast cancer screening in over 1000 community health centers in the United States. Prev Med 2022; 161:107115. [PMID: 35724699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Community Health Centers (CHCs) primarily serve low-income and vulnerable patients. Breast cancer screening recently became a quality-of-care metric in the annual Uniform Data System (UDS) report, and this study examines the first year of breast cancer screening data among 1375 CHCs in the United States. Clinics with available screening data (n = 1070) were categorized based on US region, state expansion of Medicaid to low-income adults under the Affordable Care Act, ranked terciles of race/ethnic composition (non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic/Latino patients), and proportion uninsured. Less than half of women eligible for breast cancer screening, 43.6% (95% CI:42.6%, 44.6%), were up-to-date. CHCs with medium or high proportions of Black (PR: 0.91, 0.86) and uninsured (PR: 0.90, 0.86) patients had between 9%-14% lower breast cancer screening rates than CHCs with low proportions of these populations. CHCs in Medicaid expansion states and in Northeastern states had significantly higher screening rates than non-expansion states and the Midwest, South, and Western states. In conclusion, our findings show that only half of women eligible who received care within CHCs were screened for breast cancer. Disparities in breast cancer screening rates are seen for clinics with high proportions of Black and uninsured patients, along with clinics outside the northeast and clinics in non-Medicaid expansion states. Targeted solutions centered around reducing cost, improving quality, and reducing structural disparities are needed to address low rates of breast cancer screening in low-income women who visited CHCs and already experience healthcare inequities.
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Long-term Mammography Utilization after an Initial Randomized Intervention Period by all Underserved Chilean Women in the Clinics. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153734. [PMID: 35954397 PMCID: PMC9367461 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153734] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chile has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in Latin America. Mammography rates among women, especially those of low socioeconomic status (SES), are thought to contribute to high breast cancer morbidity and mortality. A successful randomized controlled trial among women aged 50 to 70 in a low-SES primary care clinic in Chile led to a significant increase in mammography screening rates in a two-year intervention trial. This study assesses the sustainability of the intervention after ten years and identifies factors that might have been associated with a long-term effect using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. The mammography rates among women aged 50 to 70 in the low-SES intervention clinic were compared to two populations of women aged 50 to 70 from middle-SES clinics and to national data. Qualitative data were used to answer questions of adoption, implementation, and maintenance, while quantitative data assessed the reach and effectiveness. After ten years, low-SES women at the intervention clinic maintained significantly higher mammography screening rates vs. middle-SES women at the comparison clinics (36.2% vs. 30.1% and 19.4% p < 0.0001). Women of a low SES at the intervention clinic also had significantly higher screening rates compared to women of a low SES at a national level (44.2% vs. 34.2% p < 0.0001). RE-AIM factors contributed to understanding the long-term difference in rates. Mailed contact, outreach interventions, and the integration of health promoters as part of the Community Advisory Board were important factors associated with the effects observed. This study provides information on factors that could contribute to reducing the social gap on breast cancer screening.
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Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic significantly declined cancer screening rates worldwide. Its impact on the South Korean population is unclear, depending on socioeconomic status (SES), residence, and history of chronic disease. This study utilized data (2018–2020) from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annual cross-sectional study employing nationally representative random sampling. Cancer screening rates were defined as the proportion of the eligible population who received respective cancer screening within the last 1 year and investigated four major cancers (stomach, colorectal, breast, and cervical). Screening rates every year were compared with screening rate ratios (SRRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Between 2019 and 2020, screening rates declined significantly by 23%, 17%, 12%, and 8% for colorectal cancer (SRR 0.77; 95% CI 0.73–0.82), stomach cancer (SRR 0.83; 95% CI 0.79–0.87), breast cancer (SRR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82–0.93), and cervical cancer (SRR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87–0.97), respectively. Regardless of cancer type, screening was significantly lower in metropolitan residents, those with higher SES, and, interestingly, those without a history of chronic diseases. The significant decline in cancer screening during the pandemic requires urgent political intervention to reduce the burden of future cancer incidence and mortality.
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Yacona K, Hanna MW, Niyazi S, Sharma S, Hatch P, Hernandez M, Letter H. Can COVID-19 worsen racial disparities in breast cancer screening and diagnosis? J Clin Imaging Sci 2022; 12:35. [PMID: 36128359 PMCID: PMC9479646 DOI: 10.25259/jcis_26_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health disparities among minority groups, especially African Americans, can limit their access to quality medical care and lead to disproportionate medical management and disease outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the COVID-19-related change in mammogram volumes and cancer detection at two affiliated academic breast centers, one that serves a predominantly African American patient population and one that serves a predominantly non-African American patient population. Materials and methods For the purpose of anonymity, racial demographics were collected and the center with a higher African American patient population was designated as institution A, while the center with a higher non-African American patient population was designated as institution B. Careful selection of the two breast centers was instituted in order to limit the impact of potential confounders other than race. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) exemption was obtained and two Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) reports were generated; one for March 2020 through September 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and one for March 2019 through September 2019 to serve as the pre-pandemic control group. The i2b2 Query Analysis Tool® was used to obtain racial demographic data and compare the percent change in screening and diagnostic mammograms, image-guided biopsies, total cancers diagnosed by imaging, and percent of minimal cancers for both institutions. Results Screening mammograms and breast cancer detection decreased in 2020 compared to 2019 at both institutions. However, the percent change from 2019 to 2020 was greater at institution A than at institution B. Percent minimal cancers, an indicator of early-stage breast cancer also decreased more drastically at institution A than at institution B. Interestingly, the total number of diagnostic exams and image-guided biopsies increased in 2020 at institution B, whereas both decreased at institution A. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic may lead to worsening racial disparities in breast cancer screening. In an effort to narrow future disparity, it is crucial for radiologists and other health care providers to be aware of this inequality and educate all women on the importance of obtaining routine screening mammography. More studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Yacona
- Medical School, Lake Eerie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, United States,
| | - Mariam W Hanna
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States,
| | - Sara Niyazi
- Medical School, Lake Eerie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, United States,
| | - Smita Sharma
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, United States,
| | - Parlyn Hatch
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, United States,
| | - Mauricio Hernandez
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, United States,
| | - Haley Letter
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States,
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Wilke LG. Creating a healthy community after the pandemic: Reinvigorating routine cancer screening with community support systems. Cancer 2021; 127:4365-4367. [PMID: 34436764 PMCID: PMC8652861 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The recovery to a healthy and sustainable community after the pandemic will require multidisciplinary and diverse support from health care and community partners. Cancer screenings, particularly those for breast cancer, will be an important measure of this recovery, and through novel and supportive community coalitions such as the one supported by the American Cancer Society/National Football League CHANGE grant, individuals, including those from underserved communities, can safely be identified and treated at earlier stages when survival and recovery are the most favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee G Wilke
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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