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Wilkerson AD, Gentle CK, Ortega C, Al-Hilli Z. Disparities in Breast Cancer Care-How Factors Related to Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Drive Inequity. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:462. [PMID: 38391837 PMCID: PMC10887556 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer survival has increased significantly over the last few decades due to more effective strategies for prevention and risk modification, advancements in imaging detection, screening, and multimodal treatment algorithms. However, many have observed disparities in benefits derived from such improvements across populations and demographic groups. This review summarizes published works that contextualize modern disparities in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and presents potential strategies for reducing disparities. We conducted searches for studies that directly investigated and/or reported disparities in breast cancer prevention, detection, or treatment. Demographic factors, social determinants of health, and inequitable healthcare delivery may impede the ability of individuals and communities to employ risk-mitigating behaviors and prevention strategies. The disparate access to quality screening and timely diagnosis experienced by various groups poses significant hurdles to optimal care and survival. Finally, barriers to access and inequitable healthcare delivery patterns reinforce inequitable application of standards of care. Cumulatively, these disparities underlie notable differences in the incidence, severity, and survival of breast cancers. Efforts toward mitigation will require collaborative approaches and partnerships between communities, governments, and healthcare organizations, which must be considered equal stakeholders in the fight for equity in breast cancer care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avia D Wilkerson
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Corey K Gentle
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Camila Ortega
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Zahraa Al-Hilli
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Breast Center, Integrated Surgical Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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2
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Chen JC, Stover DG, Ballinger TJ, Bazan JG, Schneider BP, Andersen BL, Carson WE, Obeng-Gyasi S. Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer: from Detection to Treatment. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:10-20. [PMID: 38100011 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01472-8] [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: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Update on current racial disparities in the detection and treatment of breast cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among Black and Hispanic women. Mammography rates among Black and Hispanic women have surpassed those among White women, with studies now advocating for earlier initiation of breast cancer screening in Black women. Black, Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian and Alaskan Native women continue to experience delays in diagnosis and time to treatment. Further, racial discrepancies in receipt of guideline-concordant care, access to genetic testing and surgical reconstruction persist. Disparities in the initiation, completion, toxicity, and efficacy of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted drug therapy remain for racially marginalized women. Efforts to evaluate the impact of race and ethnicity across the breast cancer spectrum are increasing, but knowledge gaps remain and further research is necessary to reduce the disparity gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Chen
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel G Stover
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tarah J Ballinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jose G Bazan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Bryan P Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - William E Carson
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University, N924 Doan Hall, 410 West 10th, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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3
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Obeng-Gyasi S, Handley D, Elsaid MI, Rahurkar S, Andersen BL, Jonnalagadda P, Chen JC, Owusu-Brackett N, Carson WE, Stover DG. Low Hospital Volume Is Associated with Higher All-Cause Mortality in Black Women with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01788-y. [PMID: 38038902 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01788-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examines the association between hospital volume and all-cause mortality in Black women with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) who received surgery and chemotherapy. METHODS Black women ages 18+ with stage I-III TNBC who received both surgery and chemotherapy were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Hospital volume was determined using the number of annual breast cancer cases divided by the number of years the hospital participated in the NCDB. Hospital annual volume quartiles ranged from Q1 (lowest) to Q4 (highest). Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression modeling with restricted cubic splines examined the effect of hospital volume on all-cause mortality. RESULTS Sixteen thousand five hundred fifty-six patients met the study criteria. All-cause mortality incidence was lower at higher volume compared to lower volume hospitals Q1 24.1% (95% CI: 22.8 to 25.4), Q2 21.8% (95% CI: 20.5 to 23.1), Q3 20.9% (95% CI: 19.6 to 22.1), Q4 19.0% (95% CI: 17.7 to 20.1), p<0.001. On multivariable analysis, treatment at the highest hospital volume quartile was associated with a 21% reduction in the odds of death compared to the lowest quartile [Q4 Vs. Q1, OR=0.79 (95% CI: 0.67 to 0.92)]. For every 100-patient increase in annual volume, all-cause mortality was reduced by 4% [OR=0.96 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98)]. There was a significant linear dose-dependent relationship between increasing hospital volume and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Black women treated at high-volume hospitals have lower all-cause mortality than those at low-volume hospitals. Future studies should examine the characteristics of high-volume hospitals associated with improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, N924 Doan Hall, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Demond Handley
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mohamed I Elsaid
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Saurabh Rahurkar
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Pallavi Jonnalagadda
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J C Chen
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, N924 Doan Hall, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Nicci Owusu-Brackett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, N924 Doan Hall, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - William E Carson
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, N924 Doan Hall, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Daniel G Stover
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Hewitt DB, Li Y, Bhattacharyya O, Fisher JL, Stover D, Obeng-Gyasi S. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Synchronous and Metachronous Bilateral Breast Cancer. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:1035-1046. [PMID: 35386052 PMCID: PMC9535032 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01291-w] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in breast cancer treatment and survival. However, studies characterizing these disparities among patients developing bilateral breast cancers (BBC) are lacking. The purpose of this study is to understand the association between race and ethnicity, sociodemographic factors, clinical variables, treatment, and mortality in patients with BBC--synchronous bilateral breast cancer (sBBC) or metachronous bilateral breast cancer (mBBC). METHODS Patients diagnosed with mBBC or sBBC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program between 2010 and 2016 were examined. sBBC was defined as contralateral breast cancer <1 year after the initial cancer diagnosis, and mBBC was contralateral cancer ≥1 year. Univariable analysis examined sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment variables. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models evaluated disease-specific mortality. RESULTS Of the 11,493 patients that met inclusion criteria, 9575 (83.3%) had sBBC, and 1918 (16.7%) had mBBC. There were significant racial and ethnic differences in stage, tumor subtype, surgical management, and chemotherapy within sBBC and mBBC groups. On adjusted multivariate analysis of all BBC patients, Black race (HR 1.42; 95%CI 1.11-1.80; p<0.005; Ref White) was associated with a higher disease-specific mortality. Conversely, patients with mBBC had a 25% relative risk reduction in disease-specific mortality (HR 0.75; 95%CI 0.61-0.92; p<0.01) compared to sBBC. Subset analysis suggested Black Race modified the effect of sBBC on mortality (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with BBC, there are racial and ethnic disparities in clinical characteristics, treatment, and mortality. Future studies should focus on strategies to reduce these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Brock Hewitt
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, N924 Doan Hall 410 West 10th, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yaming Li
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, N924 Doan Hall 410 West 10th, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Oindrila Bhattacharyya
- Department of Economics, Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- The William Tierney Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - James L Fisher
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Stover
- Division of Medical Oncology, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, N924 Doan Hall 410 West 10th, Columbus, OH, USA.
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5
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Reeder-Hayes KE, Jackson BE, Baggett CD, Kuo TM, Gaddy JJ, LeBlanc MR, Bell EF, Green L, Wheeler SB. Race, geography, and risk of breast cancer treatment delays: A population-based study 2004-2015. Cancer 2023; 129:925-933. [PMID: 36683417 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment delays affect breast cancer survival and constitute poor-quality care. Black patients experience more treatment delay, but the relationship of geography to these disparities is poorly understood. METHODS We studied a population-based, retrospective, observational cohort of patients with breast cancer in North Carolina between 2004 and 2017 from the Cancer Information and Population Health Resource, which links cancer registry and sociodemographic data to multipayer insurance claims. We included patients >18 years with Stage I-III breast cancer who received surgery or chemotherapy as their first treatment. Delay was defined as >60 days from diagnosis to first treatment. Counties were aggregated into nine Area Health Education Center regions. Race was dichotomized as Black versus non-Black. RESULTS Among 32,626 patients, 6190 (19.0%) were Black. Black patients were more likely to experience treatment delay >60 days (15.0% of Black vs. 8.0% of non-Black). Using race-stratified modified Poisson regression, age-adjusted relative risk of delay in the highest risk region was approximately twice that in the lowest risk region among Black (relative risk, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.6-2.6) and non-Black patients (relative risk, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.3). Adjustment for clinical and sociodemographic features only slightly attenuated interregion differences. The magnitude of the racial gap in treatment delay varied by region, from 0.0% to 9.4%. CONCLUSIONS Geographic region was significantly associated with risk of treatment delays for both Black and non-Black patients. The magnitude of racial disparities in treatment delay varied markedly between regions. Future studies should consider both high-risk geographic regions and high-risk patient groups for intervention to prevent delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Reeder-Hayes
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bradford E Jackson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher D Baggett
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tzy-Mey Kuo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jacquelyne J Gaddy
- Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew R LeBlanc
- Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily F Bell
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura Green
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Health Policy and Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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6
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Bayard S, Bea VJ. Disparities in Time to Treatment for Breast Cancer: Shifting Focus to the Root Cause. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:6520-6521. [PMID: 35913668 PMCID: PMC9341160 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11948-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Solange Bayard
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Vivian J Bea
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA. .,Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 506 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
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7
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Zahnd WE, Ranganathan R, Adams SA, Babatunde OA. Sociodemographic disparities in molecular testing for breast cancer. Cancer Causes Control 2022; 33:843-859. [PMID: 35474496 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01575-w] [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: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Molecular testing is a critical component of breast cancer care used to identify the presence of estrogen and/or progesterone receptors (jointly hormone receptors-HRs) and the expression of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) on a tumor. Our objective was to characterize trends and predictors of lack of molecular testing among female breast cancer patients overall and by sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS We examined data on female breast cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-18. Joinpoint regression analyses assessed annual percent change (APC) in lack of ER, PR, or HER2 testing. Multivariable, multilevel logistic regression models identified factors associated with lack of molecular testing. RESULTS A nominally lower proportion of rural patients did not receive molecular testing (e.g., 1.8% in rural vs. 2.3% in urban for HER2). For all tests, a higher proportion of Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women were not tested. Across all characteristics, improvement in testing was noted, although disparities among groups remained. For example, lack of HER2 testing improved from 3.2 to 1.7% in White patients (APC = - 10.05) but was consistently higher in Black patients 3.9 to 2.3% (APC = - 8.21). Multivariable, multilevel models showed that older, non-Hispanic Black, and unpartnered women were at greater odds of not receiving molecular testing. CONCLUSIONS While lack of molecular testing of breast cancer patients is relatively rare, racial/ethnic, insurance status, and age-related disparities have been identified. To reduce testing and downstream treatment and outcome disparities, it is imperative for all breast cancer patients to receive molecular testing.
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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, SC, USA. .,Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Radhika Ranganathan
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Obeng-Gyasi S. Invited Commentary: It Is Time for Theoretically Informed Approaches to Surgical Disparities Research. J Am Coll Surg 2022; 234:772-773. [PMID: 35426389 PMCID: PMC9139040 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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9
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Chen JC, Li Y, Fisher JL, Bhattacharyya O, Tsung A, Obeng-Gyasi S. Neighborhood socioeconomic status and low-value breast cancer care. J Surg Oncol 2022; 126:433-442. [PMID: 35452136 PMCID: PMC9541043 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to examine the association between neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) and receipt of low-value breast cancer procedures. METHODS Patients with breast cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Low value procedures included: (1) axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for patients with limited nodal disease receiving breast conservation therapy (BCT); (2) contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (CPM); and (3) sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) in patients ≥70 years old with clinically node negative early-stage hormone-positive breast cancer. The cohort was divided by nSES. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis compared the groups. RESULTS The study included 412 959 patients. Compared to patients in high nSES areas, residing in neighborhoods with low nSES (odd ratio [OR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0-2.42) and middle nSES (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.20-1.56) was associated with a higher probability of undergoing low value ALND. Conversely, patients in low SES neighborhoods were less likely to receive low value SLNB (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85-0.94) or CPM than (low nSES OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.73-0.77); middle nSES OR 0.91 (0.89-0.92) those in high SES neighborhoods. CONCLUSION In the SEER Program, low nSES was associated with a lower probability of low value procedures except for ALND utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yaming Li
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburg, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James L Fisher
- James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Oindrila Bhattacharyya
- Department of Economics, Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Disparities in Time to Treatment for Breast Cancer: Existing Knowledge and Future Directions in the COVID-19 Era. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2022; 14:213-221. [PMID: 36530340 PMCID: PMC9735127 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-022-00469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Despite significant advances in detection and treatment for breast cancer, the breast cancer mortality rate for Black women remains 40% higher than that for White women. Timely work-up and treatment improve outcomes, yet no gold standard exists for which to guide providers. Recent Findings A large body of literature demonstrates disparities in time to treatment for breast cancer, and most studies show that Black women receive treatment later than their White counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic has been projected to worsen these disparities, but the extent of this impact remains unknown. Summary In this review, we describe the available evidence on disparities in time to treatment, potential drivers, and possible mitigation strategies. Future research must address how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the timely treatment of breast cancer patients, particularly populations vulnerable to disparate outcomes. Improved access to multidisciplinary breast programs, patient navigation services, and establishment of standards for timely treatment are necessary.
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11
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Fasano GA, Bayard S, Bea VJ. Breast Cancer Disparities and the COVID-19 Pandemic. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2022; 14:192-198. [PMID: 36059579 PMCID: PMC9425818 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-022-00458-y] [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] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented challenges on breast cancer patients and health care providers. The impact of the pandemic on preexisting breast cancer disparities remains unknown but is projected to have adverse outcomes. Recent Findings Early work has demonstrated that pandemic-related temporary suspensions in breast cancer screening, interruption of clinical trials, and treatment delays have an adverse impact on breast cancer patient outcomes and may worsen disparities. Summary In this review, we highlight existing knowledge regarding breast cancer disparities and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies for mitigating disparities moving forward include targeted research evaluating race-specific outcomes, targeted education for providers regarding breast health disparities, improved access to telehealth, maintenance of patient navigation programs, and patient education regarding the safety and necessity of enrollment in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve A. Fasano
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Solange Bayard
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Vivian J. Bea
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA ,Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 506 6th Street, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11215 USA
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12
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Bhattacharyya O, Li Y, Fisher JL, Tsung A, Eskander MF, Hamad A, Obeng-Gyasi S. Low neighborhood socioeconomic status is associated with higher mortality and increased surgery utilization among metastatic breast cancer patients. Breast 2021; 59:314-320. [PMID: 34388697 PMCID: PMC8361177 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with advanced stage, lower-quality care, and higher mortality among breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between neighborhood SES (nSES), surgical management, and disease-specific mortality in de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. METHODS MBC patients ages 18 to 85+ years diagnosed from 2010 through 2016 were identified in SEER. The cohort was divided into low, middle, and high nSES based on the NCI census tract-level index. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to examine the relationship between nSES, surgery, and disease specific mortality in MBC patients. RESULTS There were 24,532 de novo MBC patients who met study criteria, with 28.7 % undergoing surgery. Over the study period, surgery utilization decreased across all nSES groups. However, lower nSES was associated with a higher odds of undergoing surgery (low OR 1.25 [1.15-1.36] p < 0.001; middle OR 1.09 [1.01-1.18] p = 0.022; ref high). Living in an area with lower SES was associated with a worse disease specific mortality (low HR 1.24 [1.25, 1.44; ], middle 1.20 [1.1-1.29]: ref high). Specifically, there was a 9.26 month mean survival differences between the lowest (41.02 ± 0.47 months) and highest (50.28 ± 0.47 months) nSES groups. CONCLUSION These results suggest area of residence may contribute to differences in surgical management and clinical outcomes among de novo MBC patients. Future studies should examine the contributions of patient characteristics and preferences within the context of surgeon recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yaming Li
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James L Fisher
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA; James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mariam F Eskander
- Indiana University Purdue University, Department of Economics, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ahmad Hamad
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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13
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Nizam W, Yeo HL, Obeng-Gyasi S, Brock MV, Johnston FM. Disparities in Surgical Oncology: Management of Advanced Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:8056-8073. [PMID: 34268636 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Significant variations in the patterns of care, incidence, and mortality rates of several common cancers have been noted. These disparities have been attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including genetic, environmental, and healthcare-related components. Within this review, primarily focusing on commonly occurring cancers (breast, lung, colorectal), we initially summarize the burden of these disparities with regard to incidence and screening patterns. We then explore the interaction between several proven genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences that are known to contribute to these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasay Nizam
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather L Yeo
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Malcolm V Brock
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fabian M Johnston
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Division of Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology, Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship, Division of Surgical Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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14
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Hamad A, Li Y, Tsung A, Oppong B, Eskander MF, Bhattacharyya O, Obeng-Gyasi S. Hispanic Ethnicity and Breast Cancer: Disaggregating Surgical Management and Mortality by Race. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2021; 9:1568-1576. [PMID: 34254268 PMCID: PMC8752637 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01096-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women. Unfortunately, few studies disaggregate Hispanic patients by race to understand its implications on treatment and clinical outcomes such as mortality. The aim of this study is to examine surgical management and overall mortality among different subgroups of women who self-identify as Hispanic. METHODS Hispanic female patients, ages 18-90, stages I-III, diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2015 from the National Cancer Data Base were identified. The study cohort was divided into three ethnoracial categories: (1) Hispanic White (HW), 2) Hispanic Black (HB), and 3) Hispanic Other (HO). Descriptive statistics and multivariate models were constructed to determine the relationship between sociodemographic factors, clinical variables, surgical management, and mortality when disaggregated by race. RESULTS There were 56,675 Hispanic women who met the study criteria. Most where HW (n=50,599, 89.3%) and the rest were HB (n=1,334, 2.4%) and HO (n=4,742, 8.3%). There was no difference between the three groups on receipt of breast conservation therapy (P=0.12). HB (48.5%) and HO (46.6%) women were more likely to undergo reconstruction than those who identified as HW (38.7%) (P<0.001). Additionally, HB (38.3%) women were more likely to undergo tissue-based reconstruction than HW (29.0%) and HO women (30%) (P=0.0008). There was no difference between the groups in the utilization of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) (P=0.078). On multivariable analysis, there was no difference in mortality between HB and HW patients (HR 1.18, 95%CI 0.92-1.51; Ref HW). However, HO women had a 24% relative risk reduction in mortality (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63-0.92; HW ref). CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggest there are ethnoracial disparities in reconstruction utilization and mortality among Hispanic women. Future studies should examine how culture, language, healthcare access, and patient preferences contribute to these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hamad
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yaming Li
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Bridget Oppong
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mariam F Eskander
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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15
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Obeng-Gyasi S, Coles CE, Jones J, Sacks R, Lightowlers S, Bliss JM, Brunt AM, Haviland JS, Kirby AM, Kalinsky K. When the World Throws You a Curve Ball: Lessons Learned in Breast Cancer Management. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2021; 41:1-11. [PMID: 33956493 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_320691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the care of patients with operable breast cancer, there has been a shift toward increasing use of neoadjuvant therapy. There are benefits to neoadjuvant therapy, such as monitoring for response, as well as an increased rate of breast conservation and reduction of potential morbidity associated with breast surgery, including axillary management. Among patients with highly proliferative tumors, such as HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer, those with residual disease are at higher risk of recurrence, which informs the recommended systemic therapy in the adjuvant setting. For instance, in patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy, there is a role for adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine for those with residual disease at the time of surgery. The same holds true regarding the role of adjuvant capecitabine in patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. With the added complexities of treating patients in the era of the COVID-19 outbreak, additional considerations are critical, including initiation of surgery within an appropriate time from completion of neoadjuvant therapy. National consensus guidelines on time to surgery must be developed to improve measurement and comparison across systems. In addition, there is emerging radiation treatment management research addressing a number of factors, including hypofractionation, role of proton beam therapy, safe omission of radiotherapy, and preoperative radiotherapy with or without drug combination. In this article, the multidisciplinary approach of treating patients with operable breast cancer is highlighted, with updates and future considerations described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Charlotte E Coles
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jade Jones
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ruth Sacks
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sara Lightowlers
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judith M Bliss
- Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Murray Brunt
- School of Medicine, University of Keele, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne S Haviland
- Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M Kirby
- Department of Radiotherapy, Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Kalinsky
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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