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Santoro R, Goglia M, Brighi M, Curci FP, Amodio PM, Giannotti D, Goglia A, Mazzetti J, Antolino L, Bovino A, Zampaletta C, Levi Sandri GB, Ruggeri EM. Exploring 6 years of colorectal cancer surgery in rural Italy: insights from 648 consecutive patients unveiling successes and challenges. Updates Surg 2024; 76:963-974. [PMID: 38627306 PMCID: PMC11129985 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-024-01829-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The multidisciplinary management of patients suffering from colorectal cancer (CRC) has significantly increased survival over the decades and surgery remains the only potentially curative option for it. However, despite the implementation of minimally invasive surgery and ERAS pathway, the overall morbidity and mortality remain quite high, especially in rural populations because of urban - rural disparities. The aim of the study is to analyze the characteristics and the surgical outcomes of a series of unselected CRC patients residing in two similar rural areas in Italy. A total of 648 consecutive patients of a median age of 73 years (IQR 64-81) was enrolled between 2017 and 2022 in a prospective database. Emergency admission (EA) was recorded in 221 patients (34.1%), and emergency surgery (ES) was required in 11.4% of the patients. Tumor resection and laparoscopic resection rates were 95.0% and 63.2%, respectively. The median length of stay was 8 days. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 23.5% and 3.2%, respectively. EA was associated with increased median age (77.5 vs. 71 ys, p < 0.001), increased mean ASA Score (2.84 vs. 2.59; p = 0.002) and increased IV stage disease rate (25.3% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.001). EA was also associated with lower tumor resection rate (87.3% vs. 99.1%, p < 0.001), restorative resection rate (71.5 vs. 89.7%, p < 0.001), and laparoscopic resection rate (36.2 vs. 72.6%, p < 0.001). Increased mortality rates were associated with EA (7.2% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001), ES (11.1% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001) and age more than 80 years (5.8% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001). In rural areas, high quality oncologic care can be delivered in CRC patients. However, the surgical outcomes are adversely affected by a still too high proportion of emergency presentation of elderly and frail patients that need additional intensive care supports beyond the surgical skill and alternative strategies for earlier detection of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Santoro
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marta Goglia
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy.
- PhD in Training in Translational Medicine and Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Manuela Brighi
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Fabio Pio Curci
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Pietro Maria Amodio
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Domenico Giannotti
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Angelo Goglia
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Jacopo Mazzetti
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Antolino
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Antonio Bovino
- Unit of Oncologic and General Surgery, Belcolle District Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
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Nusrat K, Khan R, Farhan SH, Malik S, Paryani NS, Siddiq MA, Memon RS, Jawaid H, Hameed I. Disparities in the renal cancer mortality between Black and White adults in the United States, 1999-2020. J Geriatr Oncol 2024:101797. [PMID: 38789328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2024.101797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Nusrat
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan
| | - Rafay Khan
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan
| | | | - Shanza Malik
- Department of Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Roha Saeed Memon
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, USA
| | - Hafsa Jawaid
- Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, USA
| | - Ishaque Hameed
- Department of Medicine, Medstar Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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3
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Birken SA, Peluso AG, Shalowitz DI, Isom S, Wagi CR, Randazzo A, Falk D, Strom C, Bell R, Weaver KE. Primary Care Provider Visits Among Cancer Survivors 5-7 Years Postdiagnosis. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300699. [PMID: 38776486 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer survivors experience better outcomes when primary care providers (PCPs) are engaged in their care. Nearly all survivors have a PCP engaged in their care in the initial 5 years postdiagnosis, but little is known about sustained PCP engagement. We assessed PCP engagement in survivors' care 5-7 years postdiagnosis and characterized survivors most vulnerable to loss to PCP follow-up. METHODS We linked electronic health record ambulatory care and cancer registry data from an National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center to identify eligible survivors (≥18 years; diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or uterine cancer; had an in-network PCP). We used multiple logistic regression to assess associations between survivor demographics, clinical factors, and health care utilization and odds of sustained PCP engagement. RESULTS In 5-7 years postdiagnosis, PCPs were engaged in care for 43% of survivors. Survivors with sustained PCP-engagement were on average 4.6 years older than those without (P < .0001); survivors had 1.36 greater odds of having regular PCP visits for each decade increase in age on cancer diagnosis (P = .0030). Survivors were less likely to be lost to PCP follow-up if diagnosed at an earlier stage with odds at 0.57 and 0.10 for stage I and stage IV, respectively (P = .0005), and had 2.70 greater odds of engagement in care with at least one oncology visit annually 5-7 years postdiagnosis (P < .0001). CONCLUSION Sustained PCP engagement is endorsed as critical by survivors, PCPs, and oncologists. We found most survivors were lost to PCP follow-up 5-7 years postdiagnosis. Our study is among the first to contribute empirical evidence of survivors being lost in transition. Findings from this study demonstrate the need to bridge gaps in long-term care for cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Birken
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Alexandra G Peluso
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - David I Shalowitz
- West Michigan Cancer Center, Kalamazoo, MI
- Collaborative on Equity in Rural Cancer Care, Kalamazoo, MI
| | - Scott Isom
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Cheyenne R Wagi
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Aliza Randazzo
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Derek Falk
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Science, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Carla Strom
- Office of Cancer Health Equity, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Ronny Bell
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kathryn E Weaver
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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Fahey CC, Rathmell WK. Clinical Trials-Real-World Data to Build a Future for Our Patients. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2400374. [PMID: 38728618 DOI: 10.1200/jco.24.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C Fahey
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - W Kimryn Rathmell
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Keruakous AR, Akpan I, Chahin M, Kirolos A, Keruakous M. Equity in oncology care: addressing disparities in cancer treatment in Georgia. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1381075. [PMID: 38756877 PMCID: PMC11098010 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1381075] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This research delves into the disparities in access to oncology care among cancer patients in Georgia, with a specific focus on the distinct challenges faced by African American (AA) individuals compared to non-African American (Non-AA) counterparts. Leveraging data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey and supplementary online resources, the study meticulously examines socioeconomic factors, including income, education, and insurance coverage, which significantly influence the quality of cancer care received. The analysis reveals substantial income gaps between AA and Non-AA patients, underscoring the critical implications for healthcare access. Moreover, AA patients exhibit lower rates of full insurance coverage for cancer-related treatments, posing additional barriers to comprehensive care. By investigating the intersections of race, income, and education, the research aims to pinpoint the root causes of these disparities and proposes evidence-based solutions to address the identified challenges. The ultimate objective is to contribute valuable insights that inform targeted policy recommendations and community-based interventions, fostering a more equitable landscape for oncology care in Georgia. This study seeks to amplify awareness and advocate for tangible measures, striving toward healthcare equity for all cancer patients, irrespective of their racial or socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany R. Keruakous
- Hematology Oncology Department, Georgia Cancer Center, Wellstar MCG Health, Augusta, GA, United States
| | | | - Michael Chahin
- Hematology Oncology Department, Georgia Cancer Center, Wellstar MCG Health, Augusta, GA, United States
| | | | - Mai Keruakous
- Mercer County Community College, Trenton, NJ, United States
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Sabik LM, Kwon Y, Drake C, Yabes J, Bhattacharya M, Sun Z, Bradley CJ, Jacobs BL. Impact of the Affordable Care Act on access to accredited facilities for cancer treatment. Health Serv Res 2024. [PMID: 38698670 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14315] [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] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine differential changes in receipt of surgery at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers (NCI-CCC) and Commission on Cancer (CoC) accredited hospitals for patients with cancer more likely to be newly eligible for coverage under Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance expansions, relative to those less likely to have been impacted by the ACA. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR) for 2010-2019 linked with discharge records from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4). STUDY DESIGN Outcomes include whether cancer surgery was performed at an NCI-CCC or a CoC-accredited hospital. We conducted a difference-in-differences analysis, estimating linear probability models for each outcome that control for residence in a county with above median county-level pre-ACA uninsurance and the interaction between county-level baseline uninsurance and cancer treatment post-ACA to capture differential changes in access between those more and less likely to become newly eligible for insurance coverage (based on area-level proxy). All models control for age, sex, race and ethnicity, cancer site and stage, census-tract level urban/rural residence, Area Deprivation Index, and year- and county-fixed effects. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We identified adults aged 26-64 in PCR with prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer who received cancer-directed surgery and had a corresponding surgery discharge record in PHC4. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We observe a differential increase in receiving care at an NCI-CCC of 6.2 percentage points (95% CI: 2.6-9.8; baseline mean = 9.8%) among patients in high baseline uninsurance areas (p = 0.001). Our estimate of the differential change in care at the larger set of CoC hospitals is positive (3.9 percentage points [95% CI: -0.5-8.2; baseline mean = 73.7%]) but not statistically significant (p = 0.079). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that insurance expansions under the ACA were associated with increased access to NCI-CCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Sabik
- University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Youngmin Kwon
- University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Coleman Drake
- University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan Yabes
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Zhaojun Sun
- University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cathy J Bradley
- Colorado School of Public Health and University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Bruce L Jacobs
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Harvey RD, Miller TM, Hurley PA, Thota R, Black LJ, Bruinooge SS, Boehmer LM, Fleury ME, Kamboj J, Rizvi MA, Symington BE, Tap WD, Waterhouse DM, Levit LA, Merrill JK, Prindiville SA, Pollastro T, Brewer JR, Byatt LP, Hamroun L, Kim ES, Holland N, Nowakowski GS. A call to action to advance patient-focused and decentralized clinical trials. Cancer 2024; 130:1193-1203. [PMID: 38193828 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35145] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
This commentary is a call to action for a concerted commitment and effort to transform clinical trials and enable people with cancer to participate in clinical trials closer to home. Three key strategies are identified to address major barriers: confront challenges with the interpretation of US Food and Drug Administration Form 1572 requirements (Statement of Investigator); broaden acceptance of local laboratories and imaging centers; and invest in the creation of effective, sustainable partnerships between research centers and local providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Donald Harvey
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Therica M Miller
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Ramya Thota
- Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | - Leigh M Boehmer
- Association of Community Cancer Centers, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark E Fleury
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | | | | | - William D Tap
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Laura A Levit
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Sheila A Prindiville
- National Cancer Institute Coordinating Center for Clinical Trials, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Teri Pollastro
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance, Mercer Island, Washington, USA
| | - Jamie R Brewer
- US Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Leslie P Byatt
- New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | | | | | - Nicole Holland
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
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Nieder C, Stanisavljevic L, Dalhaug A, Haukland E. Survival after docetaxel for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in a rural health care setting. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2024; 28:31-36. [PMID: 38800536 PMCID: PMC11117159 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2024.138842] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate overall survival of men who received systemic therapy with docetaxel for metastatic castration- resistant prostate cancer (MCRPC) in rural Nordland County, Norway. Prognostic factors related to treatment and other variables were evaluated. Material and methods Overall, 132 pa- tients were included in this retrospective study covering the years 2009-2022. Uni- and multivariate survival analyses were performed. Results In this elderly cohort (median age 72 years), weekly low-dose docetaxel was the preferred regimen (44%). Seventy-three percent were treated in the first line. Only 11 patients (8%) were pre-exposed to docetaxel in the hormone-sensitive phase. Median survival was 14.3 months. Prognostic factors for longer survival included higher hemoglobin, lower lactate dehydrogenase, administration of docetaxel as first-line MCRPC treatment, and use of fewer prescription drugs for comorbidity. Pre-exposure to docetaxel did not play a major role, p = 0.76. Conclusions In this rural health care setting, survival after docetaxel was shorter than reported by other groups. Blood test results were confirmed as important prognostic factors. In the present era of evolving treatment sequences, we recommend monitoring of real-world treatment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Nieder
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Luka Stanisavljevic
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Astrid Dalhaug
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Ellinor Haukland
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
- SHARE – Center for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Quality and Health Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Paakkola NM, Jekunen A, Sihvo E, Johansson M, Andersén H. Area-based disparities in non-small-cell lung cancer survival. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:146-153. [PMID: 38591350 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2024.27507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Nordic countries, universal healthcare access has been effective in reducing socioeconomic disparities in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management. However, other factors, such as proximity to healthcare facilities, may still affect access to care. This study aimed at investigating the influence of residential area on NSCLC survival. METHODS This population-based study utilized hospital records to identify NSCLC patients who underwent their initial treatment at Vaasa Central Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Patients were categorized based on their postal codes into urban areas (≤50 km from the hospital) and rural areas (>50 km from the hospital). Survival rates between these two groups were compared using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 321 patients were included in the study. Patients residing in rural areas (n = 104) exhibited poorer 12-month survival rates compared to their urban counterparts (n = 217) (unadjusted Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.38; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01-1.89; p = 0.042). After adjusting for factors such as performance status, frailty, and stage at diagnosis in a multivariate Cox regression model, the adjusted HR increased to 1.47 (95% CI: 1.07-2.01; p = 0.017) for patients living in rural areas compared to those in urban areas. INTERPRETATION The study findings indicate that the distance to the hospital is associated with increased lung cancer mortality. This suggests that geographical proximity may play a crucial role in the disparities observed in NSCLC survival rates. Addressing these disparities should involve strategies aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, particularly for patients residing in rural areas, to enhance NSCLC outcomes and reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly-Maria Paakkola
- Cancer Clinic, Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa, Finland; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Antti Jekunen
- Cancer Clinic, Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa, Finland; Oncology Department, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Sihvo
- Department of Surgery, Central Hospital of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Mikael Johansson
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Heidi Andersén
- Cancer Clinic, Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa, Finland; Oncology Department, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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Kenzik KM, Davis ES, Franks JA, Bhatia S. Estimating the Impact of Rurality in Disparities in Cancer Mortality. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300626. [PMID: 38560814 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Estimation of the independent effect of rurality on cancer mortality requires causal inference methodology and consideration of area-level socioeconomic status and rural designations. METHODS Using SEER data, we identified key incident cancers diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 at age ≥20 years (N = 3,788,273), examining a 20% random sample (n = 757,655). Standardized competing risk and survival models estimated the association between rural residence, defined by Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, and cancer-specific and all-cause mortality, controlling for age at cancer diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, year of diagnosis, and Area Deprivation Index (ADI). We estimated the attributable fraction (AF) of rurality and high ADI (ADI > median) to the probability of mortality. Finally, we examined county measurement issues contributing to mortality rates discordant from hypothesized rates. RESULTS The 5-year standardized failure probability for cancer mortality for rural patients was 33.9% versus 31.56% for urban. The AF for rural residence was 1.04% at year 1 (0.89% by year 5), the highest among local stage disease (Y1 2.1% to Y5 1.9%). The AF for high ADI was 3.33% in Y1 (2.87% in Y5), while the joint effect of rural residence and high ADI was 4.28% in Y1 (3.71% in Y5). Twenty-two percent of urban counties and 30% of rural were discordant. Among discordant urban counties, 30% were only considered urban because of adjacency to metro area. High ADI was associated with urban discordance and low ADI with rural discordance. CONCLUSION Rural residence independently contributes to cancer mortality. The rural impact is the greatest among those with localized disease and in high deprivation areas. Rural-urban county designations may mask high-need urban counties, limiting eligibility to state and federal resources dedicated to rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Kenzik
- Department of Surgery, Boston University, Boston, MA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jeffrey A Franks
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Brant JM. Oncology Nurse Navigation in Underserved Communities: Opportunities and Future Directions. Semin Oncol Nurs 2024; 40:151586. [PMID: 38311537 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2024.151586] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Provide an overview of navigation in three disparate populations: rural, Native American/Alaska Native, and low- to middle-income countries. Discuss gaps in care and opportunities to improve cancer care. METHODS A literature search was conducted in PubMed and on Google Scholar using search terms, nurse navigation, cancer, disparit*, low- to middle-income countries, Native American, American Indian, and rural. Peer-reviewed research studies, review articles, databases and websites of professional organizations, and historical books were reviewed to provide an overview of oncology nurse navigation in underserved communities. Experiences in working with these populations over the past 30 years were also provided to support current literature. RESULTS Forty references were included in this overview of nurse navigation in underserved communities. Nurse navigation in these disparate areas is in its infancy. While some programs exist and outcomes have been positive, their dissemination is sparse. A need exists to expand nurse navigation into these areas to provide care for these underserved communities. CONCLUSION Oncology nursing navigation for each of these underserved communities requires a culturally sensitive approach. Many of these approaches are universal to cultural competency and can be applied to most disparate populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Nurses comprise the largest workforce around the globe and are well-equipped to develop navigation programs in some of the most disparate communities around the world. To do so, it is important to use a foundation of building trust, embracing individual differences, providing culturally sensitive education and resources for growth, and good communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannine M Brant
- Executive Director, Clinical Science & Innovation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA.
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12
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Jeong W, Choi D, Kim W, Han K. What is the relationship between the local population change and cancer incidence in patients with dyslipidemia: Evidence of the impact of local extinction in Korea. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7169. [PMID: 38597133 PMCID: PMC11004912 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in the local population are intricately linked to healthcare infrastructure, which subsequently impacts the healthcare sector. A decreasing local population can result in lagging health infrastructure, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes as patients may be at risk of not receiving optimal care and treatment. While some studies have explored the relationship between chronic diseases and local population decline, evidence regarding cancer is insufficient. In this study, we focused on how deteriorating management of chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia could influence the risk of cancer. We investigated the relationship between changes in the local population and cancer incidence among patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS This cohort study was conducted using claims data. Data from adult patients with dyslipidemia from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort conducted between 2002 and 2015 were included. Population changes in each region were obtained from the Korean Statistical Information Service and were used to link each individual's regional code. Cancer risk was the dependent variable, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the target associations. RESULTS Data from 336,883 patients with dyslipidemia were analyzed. Individuals who resided in areas with a decreasing population had a higher risk of cancer than those living in areas with an increasing population (decrease: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.03-1.10; normal: HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.09). Participants living in regions with a low number of hospitals had a higher risk of cancer than those in regions with a higher number of hospitals (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.12-1.29). CONCLUSION Patients in regions where the population has declined are at a higher risk of cancer, highlighting the importance of managing medical problems caused by regional extinction. This could provide evidence for and useful insights into official policies on population decline and cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjeong Jeong
- Cancer Knowledge & Information CenterNational Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer CenterGoyangRepublic of Korea
| | - Dong‐Woo Choi
- Cancer Big Data CenterNational Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer CenterGoyangRepublic of Korea
| | - Woorim Kim
- Division of Cancer Control & PolicyNational Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer CenterGoyangRepublic of Korea
- National Hospice CenterNational Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer CenterGoyangRepublic of Korea
| | - Kyu‐Tae Han
- Division of Cancer Control & PolicyNational Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer CenterGoyangRepublic of Korea
- National Hospice CenterNational Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer CenterGoyangRepublic of Korea
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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. [PMID: 38523461 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35265] [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: 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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Weeks WB, Spelhaug J, Weinstein JN, Ferres JML. Bridging the rural-urban divide: An implementation plan for leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to improve health and economic outcomes in rural America. J Rural Health 2024. [PMID: 38520683 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- William B Weeks
- AI for Good Lab, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, USA
| | - Justin Spelhaug
- Technology for Social Impact, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, USA
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Khanna D, Sharma P, Budukh A, Vishwakarma R, Sharma AN, Bagal S, Tripathi V, Maurya VK, Chaturvedi P, Pradhan S. Rural-urban disparity in cancer burden and care: findings from an Indian cancer registry. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:308. [PMID: 38448839 PMCID: PMC10916062 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12041-y] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer incidence and mortality vary across the globe, with nearly two-thirds of cancer-related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The rural-urban disparity in socio-demographic, behavioural, and lifestyle-related factors, as well as in access to cancer care, is one of the contributing factors. Population-based cancer registries serve as a measure for understanding the burden of cancer. We aimed to evaluate the rural-urban disparity in cancer burden and care of patients registered by an Indian population-based cancer registry. METHODS This study collected data from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, between 2017 and 2019. Sex and site-specific age-standardised rates for incidence and mortality per 100,000 population were calculated. Rural-urban disparities in cancer incidence and mortality were estimated through rate differences and standardised rate ratios (with 95% confidence intervals). Univariable and multivariable regressions were applied to determine any significant differences in socio-demographic and cancer-related variables according to place of residence (rural/urban). Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS 6721 cancer patients were registered during the study duration. Urban patients were older and had better literacy and socioeconomic levels, while rural patients had higher odds of having unskilled or semi-skilled professions. Diagnostic and clinical confirmation for cancer was significantly higher in urban patients, while verbal autopsy-based confirmation was higher in rural patients. Rural patients were more likely to receive palliative or alternative systems of medicine, and urban patients had higher chances of treatment completion. Significantly higher incidence and mortality were observed for oral cancer among urban men and for cervical cancer among rural women. Despite the higher incidence of breast cancer in urban women, significantly higher mortality was observed in rural women. CONCLUSIONS Low- and middle-income countries are facing dual challenges for cancer control and prevention. Their urban populations experience unhealthy lifestyles, while their rural populations lack healthcare accessibility. The distinctness in cancer burden and pattern calls for a re-evaluation of cancer control strategies that are tailor-made with an understanding of urban-rural disparities. Context-specific interventional programmes targeting risk-factor modifications, cancer awareness, early detection, and accessibility to diagnosis and care are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Khanna
- Department of Preventive Oncology and Varanasi Cancer Registry, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Tata Memorial Centres, 221005, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- Department of Preventive Oncology and Varanasi Cancer Registry, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Tata Memorial Centres, 221005, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Atul Budukh
- Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, 400012, Mumbai, India
| | - Rajesh Vishwakarma
- Department of Preventive Oncology and Varanasi Cancer Registry, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Tata Memorial Centres, 221005, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anand N Sharma
- Department of Preventive Oncology and Varanasi Cancer Registry, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Tata Memorial Centres, 221005, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sonali Bagal
- Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, 400012, Mumbai, India
| | - Varsha Tripathi
- Department of Preventive Oncology and Varanasi Cancer Registry, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Tata Memorial Centres, 221005, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Maurya
- Department of Preventive Oncology and Varanasi Cancer Registry, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Tata Memorial Centres, 221005, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pankaj Chaturvedi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, 400094, Mumbai, India
| | - Satyajit Pradhan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Director, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMCC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), Tata Memorial Centres, 221005, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Cruttenden J, Balogun OD, Gaffney D, Suneja G. Destigmatizing gynecologic cancers and prioritizing prospective radiotherapy studies. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 182:121-123. [PMID: 38262234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cruttenden
- University of Utah, Department of Radiation Oncology, 1950 Circle of Hope Dr., Rm 1570, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States of America.
| | - Onyinye D Balogun
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, United States of America; New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, 506 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States of America
| | - David Gaffney
- University of Utah, Department of Radiation Oncology, 1950 Circle of Hope Dr., Rm 1570, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States of America; Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States of America
| | - Gita Suneja
- University of Utah, Department of Radiation Oncology, 1950 Circle of Hope Dr., Rm 1570, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States of America; Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States of America
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Buck DiSilvestro J, Ulmer KK, Hedges M, Kardonsky K, Bruegl AS. Cervical Cancer: Preventable Deaths Among American Indian/Alaska Native Communities. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2024; 51:125-141. [PMID: 38267123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.11.009] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals have twice the mortality rate of cervical cancer than the general US population. Participation in prevention programs such as cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are under-utilized in this population. There are high rates of established cervical cancer risk factors among this community, with AI/AN people having a higher likelihood of infection with high-risk HPV strains not included in the 9-valent vaccine. There is a need for more robust and urgent prevention and treatment efforts in regard to cervical cancer in the AI/AN community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Buck DiSilvestro
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
| | - Keely K Ulmer
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Kimberly Kardonsky
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Heath Sciences Center, E-304 Box 356391, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Amanda S Bruegl
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailstop L466, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Franks JA, Davis ES, Bhatia S, Kenzik KM. Contribution of County Characteristics to Disparities in Rural Mortality After Cancer Diagnosis. Am J Prev Med 2024:S0749-3797(24)00042-4. [PMID: 38342479 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.02.003] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rural disparities in cancer outcomes have been widely evaluated, but limited evidence is available to describe what characteristics of rural environments contribute to the increased risk of poor outcomes. Therefore, this manuscript sought to assess the mediating effects of county characteristics on the relationship between urban/rural status and mortality among patients with cancer, characterize county profiles, and determine at-risk county profiles alongside rural settings. METHODS Patients diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2016 were assessed using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results data linked to the 2010 Rural-Urban Commuting Codes and 2010 County Health Rankings. There were 757,655 patients representing 596 counties (of 3,143 in the U.S.) and 12 states. Mediation analyses, conducted in 2023, estimated the direct contribution of rurality to 5-year all-cause survival and the contribution of the rural effect indirectly through County Health Ranking domains. Latent class analysis and survival models identified county groupings and estimated the hazard of mortality associated with class membership. RESULTS Rankings for premature death, clinical care, and physical environment resulted in rural patients having 17.9%-20.2% less survival time than urban patients. Of this, 4.1%-12.6% of the total excess risk was mediated by these characteristics. Patients living in rural and high-risk county classes saw higher all-cause mortality than those in urban lower-risk counties (hazard ratio=1.04, 95% CI=1.01, 1.08 and 1.07, 95% CI=1.03, 1.11). CONCLUSIONS Counties with poorer health rankings had increased mortality risks regardless of rurality; however, the poor rankings, notably health behaviors and social and economic factors, elevated the risk for rural counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Franks
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Elizabeth S Davis
- Department of Surgery, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Kelly M Kenzik
- Department of Surgery, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Ali N, Nelson D, McInnerney D, Quaife SL, Laparidou D, Selby P, Kane R, Civello S, Skinner D, Pogson Z, Peake MD, Harding-Bell A, Cooke S. A systematic review on the qualitative experiences of people living with lung cancer in rural areas. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:144. [PMID: 38316704 PMCID: PMC10844412 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08342-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To synthesize the qualitative literature exploring the experiences of people living with lung cancer in rural areas. METHODS Searches were performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Articles were screened independently by two reviewers against pre-determined eligibility criteria. Data were synthesized using Thomas and Harden's framework for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research. The CASP qualitative checklist was used for quality assessment and the review was reported in accordance with the ENTREQ and PRISMA checklists. RESULTS Nine articles were included, from which five themes were identified: (1) diagnosis and treatment pathways, (2) travel and financial burden, (3) communication and information, (4) experiences of interacting with healthcare professionals, (5) symptoms and health-seeking behaviors. Lung cancer diagnosis was unexpected for some with several reporting treatment delays and long wait times regarding diagnosis and treatment. Accessing treatment was perceived as challenging and time-consuming due to distance and financial stress. Inadequate communication of information from healthcare professionals was a common concern expressed by rural people living with lung cancer who also conveyed dissatisfaction with their healthcare professionals. Some were reluctant to seek help due to geographical distance and sociocultural factors whilst others found it challenging to identify symptoms due to comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS This review provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people with lung cancer in rural settings, through which future researchers can begin to develop tailored support to address the existing disparities that affect this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabilah Ali
- Lincoln Medical School, College of Health and Science, Universities of Nottingham and Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - David Nelson
- College of Health and Science, Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
- Macmillan Cancer Support, London, SE1 7UQ, UK
| | - Daisy McInnerney
- Centre for Cancer Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Samantha L Quaife
- Centre for Cancer Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Despina Laparidou
- Community and Health Research Unit, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Peter Selby
- Lincoln Medical School, College of Health and Science, Universities of Nottingham and Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Ros Kane
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Sarah Civello
- Lincoln County Hospital, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincoln, LN2 5QY, UK
| | - Dawn Skinner
- Pilgrim Hospital, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Boston, PE21 9QS, UK
| | - Zara Pogson
- Lincoln County Hospital, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincoln, LN2 5QY, UK
| | - Michael D Peake
- Cancer Research UK, London, E20 1JQ, UK
- Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Ava Harding-Bell
- Swineshead Patient Participation Group, Swineshead Medical Group, Boston, PE20 3JE, UK
| | - Samuel Cooke
- College of Health and Science, Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
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20
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Gramatges MM. Understanding and addressing race disparities in childhood cancer outcomes. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:91-92. [PMID: 37985731 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00645-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Monica Gramatges
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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21
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Thia I, Saluja M. ChatGPT: Is This Patient Education Tool for Urological Malignancies Readable for the General Population? Res Rep Urol 2024; 16:31-37. [PMID: 38259300 PMCID: PMC10800281 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s440633] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With widespread adoption of technological advancements in everyday life, patients are now increasingly able and willing to obtain information about their health conditions, treatment options, and indeed expected outcomes via the convenience of any device than can access the worldwide web. This introduces another aspect of patient care in the provision of healthcare for the modern doctor. ChatGPT is the first of an increasing number of self learning programs that have been released recently which may revolutionize and impact healthcare delivery. Methods The aim of this study is to obtain an objective measure of the readability of information provided on ChatGPT when compared with current validated patient information sheets provided by government health institutions in Western Australia. The same structured questions were input into the program for three major urological malignancies (urothelial, renal, and prostate), with the response generated evaluated with a validated readability scoring system - Flesch-Kincaid reading ease score. The same scoring system was then applied to current patient information sheets in circulation from Cancer Council Australia and UpToDate. Results Findings in this study looking at ease of readability of information provided on ChatGPT as compared to other government bodies and healthcare institutions confirm that they are non-inferior and may be a useful tool or adjunct to the traditional clinic based consultations. Ease of use of the information generated from ChatGPT was increased further when the question was modified to target an audience of 16 years of age, the average level of education attained by an Australian. Discussion Future research can be done to look into incorporating the use of similar technologies to increase efficiency in the healthcare system and reduce healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Thia
- Department of Urology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Manmeet Saluja
- Department of Urology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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Oluyomi AO, Thrift AP, Olayode A, Symanski E, Roy H, El-Serag HB. Race/ethnicity and sex differences in the association between area-level arsenic exposure concentration and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence rates in Texas. An ecological study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117538. [PMID: 37926230 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Texas has the highest rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States. Exposure to toxicants may play a role in liver disease. Several mechanisms of arsenic carcinogenesis have been proposed, however, the evidence in human populations is limited to associations between HCC and ingestion of arsenic-contaminated drinking water. Through an ecological study, we examined associations between ambient arsenic and HCC incidence rates. METHODS Primary outcome was HCC incidence rates based on Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) data. Primary exposure of interest was the simulated census-tract level estimate of arsenic exposure concentration (EC) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2011 National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA). We analyzed the association between the arsenic EC and HCC using the negative binomial Poisson regression model separately for six study groups that were based on race/ethnicity and sex. We adjusted the main analyses for selected characteristics. RESULTS Texas has 5265 census tracts and TCR reported 18,235 new ≥20 years old HCC diagnoses between 2007 and 2015. We observed significant differences along racial-ethnic and sex groups while accounting for socioeconomic deprivation, urban/rural residency, and senior residents' health insurance status. Census tracts with the highest arsenic EC had elevated rates of HCC among NH black men (Quintile 5 vs. Quintile 1: IRR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.66-2.86), NH black women (Quintile 5 vs. Quintile 1: IRR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.33-2.22) and NH white men (Quintile 5 vs. Quintile 1: IRR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.24-1.54). The associations in the remaining study groups were either inconsistent or attenuated. CONCLUSIONS Our finding suggests a potential inhalation pathway for the Arsenic-HCC association; however, the ecological nature of our study precludes the interpretation of a causal link between exposure to aerial arsenic and HCC. This finding needs to be further examined in cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun O Oluyomi
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Aaron P Thrift
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Adegboyega Olayode
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Elaine Symanski
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Hemant Roy
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Hashem B El-Serag
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program, Section of Health Services Research (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Medical Center Digestive Disease Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Friedman DR, Rodgers TD, Kovalick C, Yellapragada S, Szumita L, Weiss ES. Veterans with blood cancers: Clinical trial navigation and the challenge of rurality. J Rural Health 2024; 40:114-120. [PMID: 37389421 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The proportion of cancer patients who participate in clinical trials (CTs) remains low, despite an understanding of barriers to enrollment. The barrier of rural residence is relevant to Veterans, who more commonly live in rural areas than non-Veterans. In this exploratory study, we aimed to examine geographic factors that could impede CT enrollment and to improve access to CTs for Veterans. METHODS To assess the influence of rurality on the availability of CTs, we performed simulated searches using The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Clinical Trial Support Center (LLS CTSC) database. The LLS CTSC provides free CT education and navigation. In the second part of this study, we offered Veterans with blood cancers who received care at the Durham, Salem, Clarksburg, Sioux Falls, and Houston Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Centers referral to the LLS CTSC. FINDINGS In simulated searches, we found significantly lower numbers of CTs open to enrollment in rural areas, compared to urban areas. In actual referrals, 33 Veterans were referred to the LLS CTSC, of which 15 (45%) lived in rural areas. Three Veterans enrolled in CTs. Patients declined referral or did not enroll in CTs for various reasons, including a desire to maintain care within the VA and/or to initiate therapy quickly. CONCLUSIONS We identified "clinical trial deserts," which might hinder access and reduce CT participation for rural Veterans. Referral to the LLS CTSC promoted CT education and enrollment among a highly rural cohort of Veterans receiving care in the VA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne R Friedman
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas D Rodgers
- Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Sarvari Yellapragada
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Leah Szumita
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye Brook, New York, USA
| | - Elisa S Weiss
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye Brook, New York, USA
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Falk DS, Tooze JA, Winkfield KM, Bell RA, Birken SA, Morris BB, Strom C, Copus E, Shore K, Weaver KE. Factors Associated with Delaying and Forgoing Care Due to Cost among Long-term, Appalachian Cancer Survivors in Rural North Carolina. CANCER SURVIVORSHIP RESEARCH & CARE 2023; 1:2270401. [PMID: 38178811 PMCID: PMC10766413 DOI: 10.1080/28352610.2023.2270401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Background Little research exists on delayed and forgone health and mental health care due to cost among rural cancer survivors. Methods We surveyed survivors in 7 primarily rural, Appalachian counties February to May 2020. Univariable analyses examined the distribution and prevalence of delayed/forgone care due to cost in the past year by independent variables. Chi-square or Fisher's tests examined bivariable differences. Logistic regressions assessed the odds of delayed/forgone care due to cost. Results Respondents (n=428), aged 68.6 years on average (SD: 12.0), were 96.3% non-Hispanic white and 49.8% female; 25.0% reported delayed/forgone care due to cost. The response rate was 18.5%. The proportion of delayed/forgone care for those aged 18-64 years was 46.7% and 15.0% for those aged 65+ years (P<0.0001). Females aged 65+ years (OR: 2.00; CI: 1.02-3.93) had double the odds of delayed/forgone care due to cost compared to males aged 65+ years. Conclusion About one in four rural cancer survivors reported delayed/forgone care due to cost, with rates approaching 50% in survivors aged <65 years. Impact Clinical implications indicate the need to: 1) ask about the impact of care costs, and 2) provide supportive services to mitigate effects of treatment costs, particularly for younger and female survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek S Falk
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio, USA 44106 (Present)
| | - Janet A Tooze
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Karen M Winkfield
- Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, 1005 Dr. DB Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville, TN, USA 37208
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Preston Research Building, Rm B-1003, 2220 Pierce Ave, Nashville, TN, USA 37232
| | - Ronny A Bell
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA 27599
| | - Sarah A Birken
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Bonny B Morris
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
| | - Carla Strom
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Emily Copus
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Kelsey Shore
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Kathryn E Weaver
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
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Lizalek JM, Reames BN. Time, Space, and Place: Can Geospatial Information Systems Clarify the Tension Between Regionalization and Access for Complex Cancer Surgery? Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:7915-7917. [PMID: 37684367 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14292-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Lizalek
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Bradley N Reames
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Hirschey R, Rohweder C, Zahnd WE, Eberth JM, Adsul P, Guan Y, Yeager KA, Haines H, Farris PE, Bea JW, Dwyer A, Madhivanan P, Ranganathan R, Seaman AT, Vu T, Wickersham K, Vu M, Teal R, Giannone K, Hilton A, Cole A, Islam JY, Askelson N. Prioritizing rural populations in state comprehensive cancer control plans: a qualitative assessment. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:159-169. [PMID: 36840904 PMCID: PMC9959942 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01673-3] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) requires that states develop comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans and recommends that disparities related to rural residence are addressed in these plans. The objective of this study was to explore rural partner engagement and describe effective strategies for incorporating a rural focus in CCC plans. METHODS States were selected for inclusion using stratified sampling based on state rurality and region. State cancer control leaders were interviewed about facilitators and barriers to engaging rural partners and strategies for prioritizing rural populations. Content analysis was conducted to identify themes across states. RESULTS Interviews (n = 30) revealed themes in three domains related to rural inclusion in CCC plans. The first domain (barriers) included (1) designing CCC plans to be broad, (2) defining "rural populations," and (3) geographic distance. The second domain (successful strategies) included (1) collaborating with rural healthcare systems, (2) recruiting rural constituents, (3) leveraging rural community-academic partnerships, and (4) working jointly with Native nations. The third domain (strategies for future plan development) included (1) building relationships with rural communities, (2) engaging rural constituents in planning, (3) developing a better understanding of rural needs, and (4) considering resources for addressing rural disparities. CONCLUSION Significant relationship building with rural communities, resource provision, and successful strategies used by others may improve inclusion of rural needs in state comprehensive cancer control plans and ultimately help plan developers directly address rural cancer health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hirschey
- School of Nursing, UNC Chapel Hill, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Catherine Rohweder
- Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Whitney E Zahnd
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Prajakta Adsul
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico & University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Yue Guan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Heidi Haines
- Prevention Research Center for Rural Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Paige E Farris
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jennifer W Bea
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Andrea Dwyer
- Community and Behavioral Health, The Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Radhika Ranganathan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Aaron T Seaman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Thuy Vu
- MPH Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karen Wickersham
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Maihan Vu
- UNC CHAI Core, Connected Health Applications & Interventions (CHAI) Core, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Randall Teal
- UNC CHAI Core, Connected Health Applications & Interventions (CHAI) Core, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kara Giannone
- UNC CHAI Core, Connected Health Applications & Interventions (CHAI) Core, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alison Hilton
- UNC CHAI Core, Connected Health Applications & Interventions (CHAI) Core, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jessica Y Islam
- Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Natoshia Askelson
- Department of Community & Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Pothuri V, Zárate Rodriguez JG, Kasting C, Leigh N, Hawkins WG, Sanford DE, Fields RC. Area deprivation and rurality impact overall survival and adjuvant therapy administration in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). HPB (Oxford) 2023; 25:1545-1554. [PMID: 37626007 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of neighborhood deprivation on outcomes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is not well-described and represents an area to improve disparities. METHODS We retrospectively queried our prospectively maintained database of patients with PDAC (2014-2022). Patients were grouped by Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes. Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regressions were used to investigate effect on overall survival (OS) and adjuvant therapy administration. RESULTS 536 patients were included. High ADI patients (more disadvantaged, n = 184) were more likely to identify as non-Hispanic Black (17.9% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.01) and were more likely to be from rural areas (49.5% vs. 18.5%, p < 0.01). High ADI was independently associated with decreased OS (HR (95% CI): 1.31 (1.01-1.69), p = 0.04). Urban high ADI patients were 3.5 times more likely to receive adjuvant therapy than rural high ADI patients (OR [95% CI]: 3.48 [1.26-9.61], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Patients from the most disadvantaged neighborhoods have decreased OS. Access to adjuvant therapy likely contributes to this disparity in rural areas. Investigation into sources of this OS disparity and identification of barriers to adjuvant therapy will be crucial to improve outcomes in underserved patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Pothuri
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Christina Kasting
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Natasha Leigh
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - William G Hawkins
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Dominic E Sanford
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Turner M, Carriere R, Fielding S, Ramsay G, Samuel L, Maclaren A, Murchie P. The impact of travel time to cancer treatment centre on post-diagnosis care and mortality among cancer patients in Scotland. Health Place 2023; 84:103139. [PMID: 37979314 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103139] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Limited data exist on the effect of travelling time on post-diagnosis cancer care and mortality. We analysed the impact of travel time to cancer treatment centre on secondary care contact time and one-year mortality using a data-linkage study in Scotland with 17369 patients. Patients with longer travelling time and island-dwellers had increased incidence rate of secondary care cancer contact time. For outpatient oncology appointments, the incidence rate was decreased for island-dwellers. Longer travelling time was not associated with increased secondary care contact time for emergency cancer admissions or time to first emergency cancer admission. Living on an island increased mortality at one-year. Adjusting for cancer-specific secondary care contact time increased the hazard of death, and adjusting for oncology outpatient time decreased the hazard of death for island-dwellers. Those with longer travelling times experience the cancer treatment pathway differently with poorer outcomes. Cancer services may need to be better configured to suit differing needs of dispersed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Turner
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Romi Carriere
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Campus of Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Shona Fielding
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - George Ramsay
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Road, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Leslie Samuel
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Andrew Maclaren
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Peter Murchie
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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Sha ST, Usadi B, Wang Q, Tomaino M, Brooks GA, Loehrer AP, Wong SL, Tosteson AN, Colla CH, Kapadia NS. The Association of Rural Residence With Surgery and Adjuvant Radiation in Medicare Beneficiaries With Rectal Cancer. Adv Radiat Oncol 2023; 8:101286. [PMID: 38047230 PMCID: PMC10692300 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Radiation therapy and surgery are fundamental site-directed therapies for nonmetastatic rectal cancer. To understand the relationship between rurality and access to specialized care, we characterized the association of rural patient residence with receipt of surgery and radiation therapy among Medicare beneficiaries with rectal cancer. Methods and Materials We identified fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older diagnosed with nonmetastatic rectal cancer from 2016 to 2018. Beneficiary place of residence was assigned to one of 3 geographic categories (metropolitan, micropolitan, or small town/rural) based on census tract and corresponding rural urban commuting area codes. Multivariable regression models were used to determine associations between levels of rurality and receipt of both radiation and proctectomy within 180 days of diagnosis. In addition, we explored associations between patient rurality and characteristics of surgery and radiation such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Results Among 13,454 Medicare beneficiaries with nonmetastatic rectal cancer, 3926 (29.2%) underwent proctectomy within 180 days of being diagnosed with rectal cancer, and 1792 (13.3%) received both radiation and proctectomy. Small town/rural residence was associated with an increased likelihood of receiving both radiation and proctectomy within 180 days of diagnosis (adjusted subhazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.30). Furthermore, small town/rural radiation patients were significantly less likely to receive IMRT (adjusted odds ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48-0.80) or MIS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.97) than metropolitan patients. Conclusions Although small town/rural Medicare beneficiaries were overall more likely to receive both radiation and proctectomy for their rectal cancer, they were less likely to receive preoperative IMRT or MIS as part of their treatment regimen. Together, these findings clarify that among Medicare beneficiaries, there appeared to be a similar utilization of radiation resources and time to radiation treatment regardless of rural/urban status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybil T. Sha
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Benjamin Usadi
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Qianfei Wang
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Marisa Tomaino
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Gabriel A. Brooks
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Andrew P. Loehrer
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Sandra L. Wong
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Anna N.A. Tosteson
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Carrie H. Colla
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Congressional Budget Office, Washington District of Columbia
| | - Nirav S. Kapadia
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Department of Medicine, Section of Radiation Oncology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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30
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Brooks GA, Tomaino MR, Ramkumar N, Wang Q, Kapadia NS, O’Malley AJ, Wong SL, Loehrer AP, Tosteson ANA. Association of rurality, socioeconomic status, and race with pancreatic cancer surgical treatment and survival. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1171-1178. [PMID: 37233399 PMCID: PMC10560598 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad102] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatectomy is a necessary component of curative intent therapy for pancreatic cancer, and patients living in nonmetropolitan areas may face barriers to accessing timely surgical care. We evaluated the intersecting associations of rurality, socioeconomic status (SES), and race on treatment and outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries with pancreatic cancer. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study, using fee-for-service Medicare claims of beneficiaries with incident pancreatic cancer (2016-2018). We categorized beneficiary place of residence as metropolitan, micropolitan, or rural. Measures of SES were Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility and the Area Deprivation Index. Primary study outcomes were receipt of pancreatectomy and 1-year mortality. Exposure-outcome associations were assessed with competing risks and logistic regression. RESULTS We identified 45 915 beneficiaries with pancreatic cancer, including 78.4%, 10.9%, and 10.7% residing in metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural areas, respectively. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, and metastasis, residents of micropolitan and rural areas were less likely to undergo pancreatectomy (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio = 0.88 for rural, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81 to 0.95) and had higher 1-year mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 1.25 for rural, 95% CI = 1.17 to 1.33) compared with metropolitan residents. Adjustment for measures of SES attenuated the association of nonmetropolitan residence with mortality, and there was no statistically significant association of rurality with pancreatectomy after adjustment. Black beneficiaries had lower likelihood of pancreatectomy than White, non-Hispanic beneficiaries (subdistribution hazard ratio = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.72 to 0.89, adjusted for SES). One-year mortality in metropolitan areas was higher for Black beneficiaries (adjusted odds ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.26). CONCLUSIONS Rurality, socioeconomic deprivation, and race have complex interrelationships and are associated with disparities in pancreatic cancer treatment and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A Brooks
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Marisa R Tomaino
- Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Qianfei Wang
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Nirav S Kapadia
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - A James O’Malley
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Sandra L Wong
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Surgery, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Andrew P Loehrer
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Surgery, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Anna N A Tosteson
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Geng CX, Gudur AR, Radlinski M, Buerlein RCD, Strand DS, Sauer BG, Shami VM, Wang AY, Podboy A. Socioeconomic Disparities Affect Outcomes in Early-Stage Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A SEER Analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2797-2806.e6. [PMID: 36858145 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Socioeconomic determinants of health are understudied in early stage esophageal adenocarcinoma. We aimed to assess how socioeconomic status influences initial treatment decisions and survival outcomes in patients with T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma. METHODS We performed an observational study using the 2018 submission of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-18 database. A total of 1526 patients from 2004 to 2015 with a primary T1aN0M0 esophageal adenocarcinoma were subdivided into 3 socioeconomic tertiles based on their median household income. Endoscopic trends over time, rates of endoscopic and surgical treatment, 2- and 5-year overall survival, cancer-specific mortality, and non-cancer-specific mortality were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using R-studio. RESULTS Patients within the lowest median household income tertile ($20,000-$54,390) were associated with higher cancer-specific mortality at 2 years (P < .01) and 5 years (P < .02), and lower overall survival at 2 and 5 years (P < .01) compared with patients in higher income tertiles. Patients with a higher income had a decreased hazard ratio for cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45-0.99) in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. Patients within the higher income tertile were more likely to receive endoscopic intervention (P < .001), which was associated with improved cancer-specific mortality compared with patients who received primary surgical intervention (P = .001). The South had lower rates of endoscopy compared with other regions. CONCLUSIONS Lower median household income was associated with higher rates of cancer-specific mortality and lower rates of endoscopic resection in T1aN0M0 esophageal adenocarcinoma. Population-based strategies aimed at identifying and rectifying possible etiologies for these socioeconomic and geographic disparities are paramount to improving patient outcomes in early esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin X Geng
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Anuragh R Gudur
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mark Radlinski
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Ross C D Buerlein
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Daniel S Strand
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Bryan G Sauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Vanessa M Shami
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Andrew Y Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Alexander Podboy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Isoyama K, Matsuura M, Hayasaka M, Nagao S, Nishimura Y, Yoshioka T, Imai Y, Miyagi E, Suzuki Y, Saito T. Nationwide trends in and regional factors associated with minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications in Japan. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 289:129-135. [PMID: 37660507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.08.388] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence trends of minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications in Japan and investigate regional disparities. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort and ecological study using "The National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) Open Data". SETTING Nationwide Japan. PATIENTS Individuals who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications from 2014 to 2020. INTERVENTIONS Trend analysis of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) rates through laparoscopic hysterectomies (LH) and robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies (RA-LH) at the national and prefecture levels. Examination of regional factors contributing to the disparity in MIS implementation rates by second medical service area (SMSA). RESULTS The number of LH has increased from 16,016 in 2014 to 27,755 in 2020. The nationwide MIS hysterectomy rate increased from 29% in 2014 to 55% in 2020 (p less than 0.001). More than 50% of hysterectomies have been performed as MIS since 2019. There was an increasing trend in MIS rates in all age groups. All prefectures except one showed a significant upward trend (p less than 0.05) in the MIS rates, but MIS rates varied widely (23-84%). In a multivariable model, the MIS was more likely to be performed in the SMSAs in western Japan (p = 0.011), in the SMSAs where the number of laparoscopy-qualified gynecologists is 5-10 (p = 0.013), and 11 or higher (p less than 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a shift towards minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in total hysterectomy procedures in Japan. However, significant disparities in the prevalence of MIS hysterectomy exist, potentially influenced by the number of laparoscopy-qualified gynecologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Isoyama
- Department of Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, 291, West 16, South 1, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8543, Japan
| | - Motoki Matsuura
- Department of Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, 291, West 16, South 1, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8543, Japan.
| | - Misa Hayasaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asahikawa Medical University, Midorigaokahigashi 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Sachiko Nagao
- Department of Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, 291, West 16, South 1, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8543, Japan
| | - Yoko Nishimura
- Department of Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, 291, West 16, South 1, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8543, Japan
| | - Toshiki Yoshioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuichi Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Etsuko Miyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yukio Suzuki
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tsuyoshi Saito
- Department of Gynecology, Sapporo Medical University, 291, West 16, South 1, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8543, Japan
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Kim C, Kabbani S, Dube WC, Neuhauser M, Tsay S, Hersh A, Marcelin JR, Hicks LA. Health Equity and Antibiotic Prescribing in the United States: A Systematic Scoping Review. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad440. [PMID: 37671088 PMCID: PMC10475752 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad440] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We performed a scoping review of articles published from 1 January 2000 to 4 January 2022 to characterize inequities in antibiotic prescribing and use across healthcare settings in the United States to inform antibiotic stewardship interventions and research. We included 34 observational studies, 21 cross-sectional survey studies, 4 intervention studies, and 2 systematic reviews. Most studies (55 of 61 [90%]) described the outpatient setting, 3 articles were from dentistry, 2 were from long-term care, and 1 was from acute care. Differences in antibiotic prescribing were found by patient's race and ethnicity, sex, age, socioeconomic factors, geography, clinician's age and specialty, and healthcare setting, with an emphasis on outpatient settings. Few studies assessed stewardship interventions. Clinicians, antibiotic stewardship experts, and health systems should be aware that prescribing behavior varies according to both clinician- and patient-level markers. Prescribing differences likely represent structural inequities; however, no studies reported underlying drivers of inequities in antibiotic prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Kim
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah Kabbani
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William C Dube
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Melinda Neuhauser
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sharon Tsay
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adam Hersh
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Lauri A Hicks
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Sokale IO, Raza SA, Thrift AP. Disparities in cancer mortality patterns: A comprehensive examination of U.S. rural and urban adults, 1999-2020. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18988-18998. [PMID: 37559501 PMCID: PMC10557857 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6451] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer mortality rates overall in the U.S. have decreased significantly; however, the rate of decline has not been uniform across sociodemographic groups. We aimed to compare trends in cancer mortality rates from 1999 to 2020 between rural and urban individuals and to examine whether any rural-urban differences are uniform across racial and ethnic groups. METHODS We used U.S.-wide data from the National Center for Health Statistics, for all cancer deaths among individuals aged 25 years or older. We estimated average annual percentage change (AAPC) in age-standardized cancer mortality rates in the U.S. by cancer type, rural-urban status, sex, and race and ethnicity. RESULTS There was a larger reduction in cancer mortality rates among individuals from urban (males: AAPC, -1.96%; 95% CI, -2.03, -1.90; females: AAPC, -1.56%; 95% CI, -1.64, -1.48) than rural (males: AAPC, -1.43%; 95% CI, -1.47, -1.39; females: AAPC, -0.93; 95% CI, -1.03, -0.82) areas. AAPCs for cancer types were uniformly higher among urban areas compared with rural areas. Despite overall decreases, deaths rates for liver and pancreas cancers increased, including in the most recent period among males (2012-2020, APC, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.49, 2.20) and females (2013-2020, APC, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.03, 3.02) in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS Cancer death rates decreased in all racial and ethnic populations; however, the rural-urban differences varied by race/ethnicity. The rate of decline in mortality rates were lower in rural areas and death rates for liver and pancreas cancers increased, particularly for individuals living in rural America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itunu O. Sokale
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Syed Ahsan Raza
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Aaron P. Thrift
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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Wang GR, Xu H, Chen HZ, Chen YS, Ni ZJ, Fan LY, Zhang AH, Xu PP, Qian Y, Cai B, Chen JG. Survival of 48866 cancer patients: results from Nantong area, China. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1244545. [PMID: 37637071 PMCID: PMC10455932 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1244545] [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] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to provide a realistic observation of survival by major site for 48,866 cancer patients treated at a tertiary cancer hospital in a rural area of China. Methods Patients with cancer registered between 2007 and 2017 in the Nantong rural area were followed up. The starting date for survival calculation was the date of the first diagnosis of cancer at the Nantong Tumor Hospital, and the closing date was December 31, 2020. Observed survival (OS) was analyzed according to ICD-10 site, sex, age, region, and hospitalization period using the life table method and compared using the Wilcoxon (Gehan) statistic. Results The overall 5-year OS rate was 40.48% for all 48,866 patients, 30.19% for males, and 51.90% for females. The top five cancer sites, accounting for 60.51% of the total cases, were the esophagus, lung, stomach, liver, and cervix, with 5-year OS rates of 33.72%, 18.64%, 32.10%, 19.04%, and 71.51%, respectively. The highest 5-year OS was observed in the thyroid (87.52%) and the lowest was in the pancreas (6.37%). Survival was significantly higher in younger patients than in older patients, with 5-year OSs of 69.26% and 19.84% in those aged 20-29 and 90-99 years, respectively. Five-year OSs improved significantly from 39.35% in 2007-2011 to 41.26% in 2012-2017. Conclusion Overall survival improved over the years, although the improvement at some sites was not significant. The observed survival varies from region to region, reflecting differences in the patterns of major sites, disparities in proportions of hospitalization, and demographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Ren Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nantong, China
| | - Hai-Zhen Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, Qidong People’s Hospital, Affiliated Qidong Hospital of Nantong University, Qidong, China
| | - Zhuo-Jian Ni
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Haimen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Haimen, China
| | - Li-Yun Fan
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Tongzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tongzhou, China
| | - Ai-Hong Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Rudong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Rudong, China
| | - Pei-Pei Xu
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Rugao Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Rugao, China
| | - Yun Qian
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Hai’an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hai’an, China
| | - Bo Cai
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Nantong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nantong, China
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, Qidong People’s Hospital, Affiliated Qidong Hospital of Nantong University, Qidong, China
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Kale S, Hirani S, Vardhan S, Mishra A, Ghode DB, Prasad R, Wanjari M. Addressing Cancer Disparities Through Community Engagement: Lessons and Best Practices. Cureus 2023; 15:e43445. [PMID: 37711952 PMCID: PMC10498131 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer disparities continue to be a significant public health challenge, disproportionately affecting certain communities in terms of incidence, mortality, and access to quality care. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only healthcare professionals and researchers but also the active participation and collaboration of the affected communities themselves. Community engagement has emerged as a promising strategy to reduce cancer disparities and promote health equity. This review article synthesizes the existing literature and examines the role of community engagement in addressing cancer disparities. It explores various approaches and best practices utilized in community engagement initiatives to empower and involve diverse populations in the fight against cancer. The review discusses key lessons learned from successful programs and identifies challenges faced in implementing such initiatives. The article highlights the importance of cultural competence, trust-building, and meaningful collaboration between stakeholders, including community leaders, healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers. It emphasizes the significance of tailoring interventions to specific community needs, acknowledging cultural differences, and fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge and resources. Moreover, this review investigates the impact of community engagement on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment adherence, and survivorship outcomes. It sheds light on the role of community-based participatory research and other innovative strategies in generating evidence and facilitating the translation of research findings into real-world interventions. In conclusion, this review underlines the potential of community engagement in addressing cancer disparities and promoting health equity. By involving communities as active partners in cancer control efforts, healthcare systems can design more effective and sustainable interventions. This approach not only contributes to reducing cancer disparities but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment within the communities affected, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarali Kale
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Shoyeb Hirani
- Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Mission (MGM) Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, IND
| | - Sauvik Vardhan
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Aditi Mishra
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Dewang B Ghode
- General Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Roshan Prasad
- Medicine and Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Mayur Wanjari
- Research and Development, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Elder AJ, Alazawi H, Shafaq F, Ayyad A, Hazin R. Teleoncology: Novel Approaches for Improving Cancer Care in North America. Cureus 2023; 15:e43562. [PMID: 37719501 PMCID: PMC10502915 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to widespread healthcare workforce shortages, many patients living in remote and rural North America currently have reduced access to various medical specialists. These shortages, coupled with the aging North American population, highlight the need to transform contemporary healthcare delivery systems. The exchange of medical information via telecommunication technology, known as telemedicine, offers promising solutions to address the medical needs of an aging population and the increased demand for specialty medical services. This progressive movement has also improved access to quality health care by mitigating the current shortage of trained subspecialists. Minimizing the effects of these shortages is particularly urgent in the care of cancer patients, many of whom require regular follow-up and close monitoring. Cancer patients living in remote areas of North America have reduced access to specialized care and, thus, have unacceptably high mortality and morbidity rates. Teleoncology, or the use of telemedicine to provide oncology services remotely, has the ability to improve access to high-quality care and assist in alleviating the burden of some of the severe adverse events associated with cancer. In this review, the authors describe how recent advances in teleoncology can reduce healthcare disparities and improve future cancer care in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Elder
- Department of Medical Education, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Hussein Alazawi
- Department of Medical Education, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, USA
| | - Fareshta Shafaq
- Department of Medical Education, American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, SXM
| | - Adam Ayyad
- Department of Medical Education, Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, BRB
| | - Ribhi Hazin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
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Dasgupta P, Cameron JK, Goodwin B, Cramb SM, Mengersen K, Aitken JF, Baade PD. Geographical and spatial variations in bowel cancer screening participation, Australia, 2015-2020. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288992. [PMID: 37471422 PMCID: PMC10358922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288992] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in bowel cancer screening programs remains poor in many countries. Knowledge of geographical variation in participation rates may help design targeted interventions to improve uptake. This study describes small-area and broad geographical patterns in bowel screening participation in Australia between 2015-2020. METHODS Publicly available population-level participation data for Australia's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) were modelled using generalized linear models to quantify screening patterns by remoteness and area-level disadvantage. Bayesian spatial models were used to obtain smoothed estimates of participation across 2,247 small areas during 2019-2020 compared to the national average, and during 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 for comparison. Spatial heterogeneity was assessed using the maximized excess events test. RESULTS Overall, screening participation rates was around 44% over the three time-periods. Participation was consistently lower in remote or disadvantaged areas, although heterogeneity was evident within these broad categories. There was strong evidence of spatial differences in participation over all three periods, with little change in patterns between time periods. If the spatial variation was reduced (so low participation areas were increased to the 80th centile), an extra 250,000 screens (4% of total) would have been conducted during 2019-2020. CONCLUSIONS Despite having a well-structured evidence-based government funded national bowel cancer screening program, the substantial spatial variation in participation rates highlights the importance of accounting for the unique characteristics of specific geographical regions and their inhabitants. Identifying the reasons for geographical disparities could inform interventions to achieve more equitable access and a higher overall bowel screening uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Dasgupta
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica K. Cameron
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Belinda Goodwin
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Heath Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susanna M. Cramb
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation & Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kerrie Mengersen
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanne F. Aitken
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter D. Baade
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Virgen C, Renslo B, Sawaf T, Shnayder Y, Kakarala K, Bur AM, Sykes KJ. Disentangling Social Determinants of Health and Rurality in Head and Neck Cancer 2-Year Mortality. OTO Open 2023; 7:e62. [PMID: 37425068 PMCID: PMC10327873 DOI: 10.1002/oto2.62] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Social determinants of health (SDoH) and rurality are known factors that may influence outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Patients residing in remote locations or those with multiple SDoH may encounter barriers to initial diagnosis, adherence to multidisciplinary treatments, and posttreatment surveillance, which may impact their overall survival. However, previous studies have shown mixed results associated with rural residence. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of rurality and SDoH on 2-year survival in HNSCC. The study was conducted using a Head and Neck Cancer Registry at a single institution from June 2018 through July 2022. Rurality, defined by US census scores, and individual measures of SDoH were used. Our results indicate that each additional adverse SDoH factor results in 1.5 times the odds of mortality at 2 years. Individualized measures of SDoH, rather than rurality alone, better reflect patient prognosis in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celina Virgen
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Bryan Renslo
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Tuleen Sawaf
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Yelizaveta Shnayder
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Kiran Kakarala
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Andrés M. Bur
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Kevin J. Sykes
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
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Franks JA, Davis ES, Bhatia S, Kenzik KM. Defining rurality: an evaluation of rural definitions and the impact on survival estimates. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:530-538. [PMID: 36762829 PMCID: PMC10165490 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer living in rural areas have inferior cancer outcomes; however, studies examining this association use varying definitions of "rural," complicating comparisons and limiting the utility of the results for policy makers and future researchers. METHODS Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data (2000-2016) were used to assess risk of cancer mortality and mortality from any cause across 4 definitions of rurality: Urban Influence codes (UIC), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Rural-Urban continuum codes (RUCC), and Index of Relative Rurality. Binary (urban vs rural) and ternary (urban, micropolitan, rural) definitions were evaluated. Multivariable parametric survival models estimated hazards of mortality overall and among 3 cancer groupings: screening related, obesity related, and tobacco related. Definition agreement was also assessed. RESULTS Overall, 3 788 273 patients with an incident cancer representing 605 counties were identified. There was little discordance between binary definitions of rural vs urban and moderate agreement at the 3 levels. Adjusted models using binary definitions revealed 15% to 17% greater hazard of cancer mortality in rural compared with urban. At the 3 levels when comparing rural with metropolitan, RUCC and NCHS saw similarly increased hazard ratios; however, Index of Relative Rurality did not. Screening-related cancers saw the highest hazards of mortality and the largest divergence between definitions. Obesity-related and tobacco-related cancers saw similarly increased hazards of mortality at the binary and ternary levels. CONCLUSIONS Hazard of death is similar across binary definitions; however, this differed when categorized as ternary or continuous, especially among screening-related cancers. Results suggest that study purpose should direct choice of definitions and categorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Franks
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Smita Bhatia
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood or Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kelly M Kenzik
- Department of Surgery, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Stevens CJ, Liao Y, Chen M, Heredia NI, Arem H, Sukumar J, Joffe L, Schmitz KH, Mama SK. Linking social and built environmental factors to leisure-time physical activity in rural cancer survivors. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2023; 2023:125-132. [PMID: 37139981 PMCID: PMC10157784 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored associations between social and built environmental factors and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in rural cancer survivors (RCS) and whether these associations differed by exercise stage of change (SOC). METHOD RCS (n = 219) completed questionnaires assessing LTPA, SOC, and social (social status, connectedness, support) and environmental (home environment, neighborhood environment) factors. Linear regression models examined associations between social and built environmental factors and LTPA and tested for moderation by SOC. RESULTS Half (50.7%) of RCS were physically active, and 49.3% were not active. Social factors positively associated with LTPA included subjective social status in the community (B = 89.0, P = .014) and in the United States (B = 181.3, P < .001), social connectedness (B = 122.3, P = .024), and social support for physical activity from family (B = 41.9, P < .001) and friends (B = 44.3, P < .001). Environmental factors positively associated with LTPA included the home environment (B = 111.2, P < .001), perceived environmental support for PA (B = 355.4, P = .004), and neighborhood attributes, including bicycling infrastructure (B = 191.3, P = .003), proximity to recreation facilities (B = 140.1, P = .021), traffic safety (B = 184.5, P = .025), and aesthetics (B = 342.6, P < .001). SOC statistically significantly moderated the association between social status in the United States and LTPA (B = 160.3, P = .031). CONCLUSIONS Social and built environmental factors were consistently linked with LTPA and provide context for multilevel interventions promoting LTPA in RCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney J Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Cancer Population Sciences, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Yue Liao
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Minxing Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natalia I Heredia
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hannah Arem
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Medstar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jasmine Sukumar
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lenat Joffe
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn H Schmitz
- Hillman Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Scherezade K Mama
- Department of Health Disparities Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Ruiz S, Okere UC, Eggers M, O'Leary C, Politi M, Wan F, Housten AJ. Eliciting Opinions on Health Messaging During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Survey Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e39697. [PMID: 36848256 PMCID: PMC10176135 DOI: 10.2196/39697] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective public health messaging has been necessary throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but stakeholders have struggled to communicate critical information to the public, especially in different types of locations such as urban and rural areas. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify opportunities to improve COVID-19 messages for community distribution in rural and urban settings and to summarize the findings to inform future messaging. METHODS We purposively sampled by region (urban or rural) and participant type (general public or health care professional) to survey participants about their opinions on 4 COVID-19 health messages. We designed open-ended survey questions and analyzed the data using pragmatic health equity implementation science approaches. Following the qualitative analysis of the survey responses, we designed refined COVID-19 messages incorporating participant feedback and redistributed them via a short survey. RESULTS In total, 67 participants consented and enrolled: 31 (46%) community participants from the rural Southeast Missouri Bootheel, 27 (40%) community participants from urban St Louis, and 9 (13%) health care professionals from St Louis. Overall, we found no qualitative differences between the responses of our urban and rural samples to the open-ended questions. Participants across groups wanted familiar COVID-19 protocols, personal choice in COVID-19 preventive behaviors, and clear source information. Health care professionals contextualized their suggestions within the specific needs of their patients. All groups suggested practices consistent with health-literate communications. We reached 83% (54/65) of the participants for message redistribution, and most had overwhelmingly positive responses to the refined messages. CONCLUSIONS We suggest convenient methods for community involvement in the creation of health messages by using a brief web-based survey. We identified areas of improvement for future health messaging, such as reaffirming the preventive practices advertised early in a crisis, framing messages such that they allow for personal choice of preventive behavior, highlighting well-known source information, using plain language, and crafting messages that are applicable to the readers' circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sienna Ruiz
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Uzoma Charles Okere
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Michelle Eggers
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Mary Politi
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Fei Wan
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ashley J Housten
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Jackson MK, Lappe J, Ma J, Timmerman M, Lyden ER, Shivappa N, Hébert JR, Travers Gustafson D, Graeff-Armas L, Hanson C. Changes in Dietary Inflammatory Index Score over Time and Cancer Development in Rural Post-Menopausal Women. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040946. [PMID: 37107321 PMCID: PMC10135941 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040946] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a key role in cancer development. As an important modulator of inflammation, the role of diet should be explored. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between diets with a higher inflammatory potential, as measured by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), and cancer development in a cohort of rural post-menopausal women. Dietary intake from a randomized controlled trial cohort of rural, post-menopausal women in Nebraska was used to compute energy-adjusted DII (E-DIITM) scores at baseline and four years later (visit 9). A linear mixed model analysis and multivariate logistic regression evaluated the association between E-DII scores (baseline, visit 9, change score) and cancer status. Of 1977 eligible participants, those who developed cancer (n = 91, 4.6%) had a significantly larger, pro-inflammatory change in E-DII scores (Non-cancer: Δ 0.19 ± 1.43 vs. Cancer: Δ 0.55 ± 1.43, p = 0.02). After adjustment, odds of cancer development were over 20% higher in those with a larger change (more pro-inflammatory) in E-DII scores than those with smaller E-DII changes (OR = 1.21, 95% CI [1.02, 1.42], p = 0.02). Shifting to a more pro-inflammatory diet pattern over four years was associated with increased odds of cancer development, but not with E-DII at baseline or visit 9 alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Kay Jackson
- Medical Nutrition, Department of Medical Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Joan Lappe
- College of Nursing, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Jihyun Ma
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Megan Timmerman
- Medical Nutrition, Department of Medical Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Lyden
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Nitin Shivappa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - James R Hébert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | | | - Laura Graeff-Armas
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrine & Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Corrine Hanson
- Medical Nutrition, Department of Medical Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Dasgupta P, Cameron JK, Cramb SM, Trevithick RW, Aitken JF, Mengersen K, Baade PD. Geographical and spatial disparities in the incidence and survival of rare cancers in Australia. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:1601-1612. [PMID: 36495274 PMCID: PMC10952715 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34395] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rare cancers collectively account for around a quarter of cancer diagnoses and deaths. However, epidemiological studies are sparse. We describe spatial and geographical patterns in incidence and survival of rare cancers across Australia using a population-based cancer registry cohort of rare cancer cases diagnosed among Australians aged at least 15 years, 2007 to 2016. Rare cancers were defined using site- and histology-based categories from the European RARECARE study, as individual cancer types having crude annual incidence rates of less than 6/100 000. Incidence and survival patterns were modelled with generalised linear and Bayesian spatial Leroux models. Spatial heterogeneity was tested using the maximised excess events test. Rare cancers (n = 268 070) collectively comprised 22% of all invasive cancer diagnoses and accounted for 27% of all cancer-related deaths in Australia, 2007 to 2016 with an overall 5-year relative survival of around 53%. Males and those living in more remote or more disadvantaged areas had higher incidence but lower survival. There was substantial evidence for spatial variation in both incidence and survival for rare cancers between small geographical areas across Australia, with similar patterns so that those areas with higher incidence tended to have lower survival. Rare cancers are a substantial health burden in Australia. Our study has highlighted the need to better understand the higher burden of these cancers in rural and disadvantaged regions where the logistical challenges in their diagnosis, treatment and support are magnified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Dasgupta
- Viertel Cancer Research CentreCancer Council QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Jessica K. Cameron
- Viertel Cancer Research CentreCancer Council QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Mathematical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Susanna M. Cramb
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation & Centre for Healthcare TransformationQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Public Health and Social WorkQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Data ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Richard W. Trevithick
- Clinical Excellence Division, Department of HealthWestern Australia Cancer RegistryEast PerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Joanne F. Aitken
- Viertel Cancer Research CentreCancer Council QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Institute for Resilient RegionsUniversity of Southern QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Kerrie Mengersen
- School of Mathematical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Data ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Peter D. Baade
- Viertel Cancer Research CentreCancer Council QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Data ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Menzies Health Institute QueenslandGriffith University, Gold Coast CampusSouthportQueenslandAustralia
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Oh DL, Schumacher K, Yang J, Wang K, Lin K, Gomez SL, Shariff-Marco S. Disparities in cancer incidence by rurality in California. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:385-393. [PMID: 36622036 PMCID: PMC10086626 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac238] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer rates in rural areas across the United States have different patterns than in urban areas. This study examines associations between rurality and incidence for the top 5 cancers in California and evaluates whether these associations vary jointly by sex, race, and ethnicity. METHODS We used 2015-2019 California Cancer Registry data to compare incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and trends for breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and skin (melanoma) cancers. We leveraged census tract aggregation zones and 7 levels of percentage rural population (0%, >0% to <10%, 10% to <20%, 20% to <30%, 30% to <40%, 40% to <50%, and 50+%). RESULTS Zones with higher proportions of rural population were significantly associated with lower incidence of female breast cancer and prostate cancer, though the trends were not statistically significant overall. Zones with higher proportions of rural population were significantly associated with higher incidence of lung cancer and melanoma. There were no statistically significant trends for colorectal cancer overall. Comparing areas with 50% and over rural population with areas with 0% rural population, the IRR for lung cancer in Hispanic females was higher (IRR = 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17 to 1.74) than in Hispanic males (IRR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.72 to 1.11). Also, in areas with 50% or more rural population, the IRR for melanoma was higher in Hispanic females (IRR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.23 to 2.45) than non-Hispanic White females (IRR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80 to 0.95). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that rurality is associated with cancer incidence and underscore the importance of jointly examining rural disparities with sex, race, and ethnicity by cancer site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora L Oh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Karen Schumacher
- Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Katarina Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Katherine Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Scarlett Lin Gomez
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Salma Shariff-Marco
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Rivera-Rivera JN, Borger T, Sizemore Y, Burris JL. Similarities and differences across the underlying dimensions of social functioning in rural and nonrural cancer survivors: A mixed-methods study. J Rural Health 2023; 39:434-443. [PMID: 36315053 PMCID: PMC10038817 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12721] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE For cancer survivors, social functioning greatly influences other quality of life dimensions. While there is potential for differences in social functioning to vary as a function of geographic residence, few studies examine the social functioning of rural cancer survivors specifically. This study aims to help fill this gap. METHODS This was an embedded mixed-methods study where all participants completed a questionnaire, and some were purposively selected to complete an interview to gather more information about social functioning (ie, social roles, activities, network, support, and constraint). Participants (n = 93; 63% rural) were recruited through a state cancer registry and cancer care facility. Participants were predominately White, non-Hispanic (92.47%), roughly half female (54.84%), and on average, diagnosed in the past two years (SD = 1.68), and 61.45 (SD = 10.87) years old. FINDINGS Few differences in the social functioning of rural and nonrural participants were found on questionnaires, though rural participants reported larger networks and more overall support. Across groups, common themes in the interview data were the experience of both social support (eg, instrumental support) and social constraint (eg, others minimizing participants' problems or sharing their own negative experiences). CONCLUSIONS This was the first cancer survivorship study to thoroughly examine social functioning by geographic residence. Rural cancer survivors described some unique strengths, but major group differences were not apparent. All participants highlighted situations when others, even with good intentions, were unhelpful to them. Future interventions to improve social functioning could work to dispel the belief that cancer survivors should handle their cancer on their own.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tia Borger
- University of Kentucky Department of Psychology, Lexington, KY
- University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY
| | - Yancey Sizemore
- University of Kentucky Department of Psychology, Lexington, KY
| | - Jessica L. Burris
- University of Kentucky Department of Psychology, Lexington, KY
- University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY
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Nelson D, Cooke S, McLeod B, Nanyonjo A, Kane R, Gussy M. A Rapid Systematic Review on the Experiences of Cancer Survivors Residing in Rural Areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16863. [PMID: 36554740 PMCID: PMC9778689 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruption to cancer care and may have exacerbated existing challenges already faced by cancer survivors from rural areas. This has created a need for a rapid evidence synthesis to inform the development of tailored interventions that address the specific needs of rural cancer survivors who continue to be affected by the pandemic. The review was conducted following guidance from the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group. Database searches were performed via the EBSCOHost interface (includes MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) on 25 May 2022 and supplemented with searches on Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles published after March 2020 that reported primary data on the experiences of cancer survivors residing in rural and remote settings during the pandemic were included. Findings were tabulated and written up narratively. Fourteen studies were included. The COVID-19 pandemic had a mostly detrimental impact on the experiences of rural cancer survivors. People's individual coping mechanisms were challenging for a range of reasons. Specifically, the pandemic impacted on their ability to access testing, treatment, check-ups and supportive care, their ability to maintain and access social support with close friends and family, as well as negative consequences to their finances and emotional wellbeing with some reporting feelings of psychological distress including depression and anxiety. This review provides important insight into the experiences of rural cancer survivors that may help inform tailored support in line with the needs and challenges faced because of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nelson
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
- Macmillan Cancer Support, London SE1 7UQ, UK
| | - Samuel Cooke
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Ben McLeod
- Lincoln Medical School, College of Science, University of Nottingham and University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Agnes Nanyonjo
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Ros Kane
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Mark Gussy
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
- La Trobe Rural Health School, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3086, Australia
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Rauch S, Rakic M, Hengartner H, Elger B, Rost M. Access to paediatric oncology centres in Switzerland: Disparities across rural-urban and Swiss-foreigners cohorts. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13679. [PMID: 35942909 PMCID: PMC9788087 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13679] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In face of disparities in access to cancer care, it has been proposed to measure accessibility and to explore policy strategies for mitigating inequality of access. We aimed to determine the accessibility of Swiss paediatric oncology centres. METHODS We employed spatial accessibility analysis, calculating driving time to nearest facility. Four data types were used: disaggregated population data, administrative data, street network data and addresses of centres. Besides analysing general accessibility, we compared access of urban versus rural areas and of Swiss citizens versus foreign residents and evaluated designating a new centre to improve accessibility. RESULTS Overall, 97.4% could reach the nearest centre within 120 min (95.0% < 90 min, 86.5% < 60 min, 48.5% < 30 min). Accessibility could most effectively be improved by a new centre in Sion (city in the southwest of Switzerland). Access in urban areas was better than in rural areas. In urban areas, access of European Union/European Free Trade Association (EU/EFTA) and non-European residents was better than access of Swiss citizens and residents from non-EU European countries. CONCLUSION Access is satisfactory. However, our study presents high-resolution insights which could serve as points of leverage for policymakers to mitigate inequalities by designating a new centre and to evaluate potential benefits of centralisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Rauch
- Institute of Geography and GeologyUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Milenko Rakic
- Institute for Biomedical EthicsUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Bernice Elger
- Institute for Biomedical EthicsUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Michael Rost
- Institute for Biomedical EthicsUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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Mehrotra A, Huskamp HA, Nimgaonkar A, Chaiyachati KH, Bressman E, Richman B. Receipt of Out-of-State Telemedicine Visits Among Medicare Beneficiaries During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2022; 3:e223013. [PMID: 36218938 PMCID: PMC9482058 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2022.3013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Question How was out-of-state telemedicine used during the COVID-19 pandemic? Findings In this cross-sectional study of telemedicine visits in the first half of 2021 among patients with Medicare, 422 547 patients had an out-of-state telemedicine visit; these visits were most common among those who lived near a state border and were largely for primary care and mental health treatment. In 62.6% of all out-of-state visits, a prior in-person visit occurred between the same patient and clinician. Meaning Limitations on out-of-state telemedicine care may disrupt many existing patient-clinician relationships in primary care and mental health treatment. Importance Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, states implemented temporary changes allowing physicians without a license in their state to provide care to their residents. There is an ongoing debate at both the federal and state levels on whether to change licensure rules permanently to facilitate out-of-state telemedicine use. Objective To describe out-of-state telemedicine use during the pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study of telemedicine visits included all patients with traditional Medicare from January through June 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures Telemedicine visits from January through June 2021 where the patient’s home address and the physician’s practice address were in different states. Results In describing which patients and specialties were using out-of-state telemedicine, we focused on the period between January to June 2021. We chose this period because it was after the turmoil of the early pandemic, when vaccines became widely available and the health care system had stabilized, but before many of the temporary licensing regulations began to lapse by mid-2021. In the first half of 2021, there were 8 392 092 patients with a telemedicine visit and, of these, 422 547 (5.0%) had 1 or more out-of-state telemedicine visits. Those who lived in a county close to a state border (within 15 miles) accounted for 57.2% of all out-of-state telemedicine visits. Among the out-of-state visits in this time period, 64.3% were with a primary care or mental health clinician. For 62.6% of all out-of-state visits, a prior in-person visit occurred between the same patient and clinician between March 2019 and the visit. The demographics and conditions treated were similar for within-state and out-of-state telemedicine visits, with several notable exceptions. Among those with a telemedicine visit, people in rural communities were more likely to receive out-of-state telemedicine care (33.8% vs 21.0%), and there was high of out-of-state telemedicine use for cancer care (9.8% of all telemedicine visits for cancer care). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that licensure restrictions of out-of-state telemedicine would have had the largest effect on patients who lived near a state border, those in rural locales, and those who received primary care or mental health treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ateev Mehrotra
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Eric Bressman
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Barak Richman
- Duke University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina
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Jacobson GM, Bajaj GK, Buatti JM, Dawson L, Deville C, Eichler TJ, Erickson B, Ford E, Gibbs IC, Mantz C, Marples B, Michalski JM, Sandler H, Smith B, Vapiwala N, Yashar C. ASTRO Supports Access to Evidence-Based Cancer Care for All Patients, Regardless of Pregnancy Status, and Protection for Physicians Recommending and Providing Evidence-Based Care. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 114:390-392. [PMID: 35963472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.1844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gopal K Bajaj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - John M Buatti
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Laura Dawson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Eric Ford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Brian Marples
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Jeff M Michalski
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Benjamin Smith
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Neha Vapiwala
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Catheryn Yashar
- Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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