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Kucera CW, Chappell NP, Tian C, Richardson MT, Tarney CM, Hamilton CA, Chan JK, Kapp DS, Leath CA, Casablanca Y, Rojas C, Sitler CA, Wenzel L, Klopp A, Jones NL, Rocconi RP, Farley JH, O'Connor TD, Shriver CD, Bateman NW, Conrads TP, Phippen NT, Maxwell GL, Darcy KM. Survival disparities in non-Hispanic Black and White cervical cancer patients vary by histology and are largely explained by modifiable factors. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 184:224-235. [PMID: 38340648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated racial disparities in survival by histology in cervical cancer and examined the factors contributing to these disparities. METHODS Non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White (hereafter known as Black and White) patients with stage I-IV cervical carcinoma diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 in the National Cancer Database were studied. Survival differences were compared using Cox modeling to estimate hazard ratio (HR) or adjusted HR (AHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The contribution of demographic, socioeconomic and clinical factors to the Black vs White differences in survival was estimated after applying propensity score weighting in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma (AC). RESULTS This study included 10,111 Black and 43,252 White patients with cervical cancer. Black patients had worse survival than White cervical cancer patients (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.35-1.45). Survival disparities between Black and White patients varied significantly by histology (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.15-1.24 for SCC; HR = 2.32, 95% CI = 2.12-2.54 for AC, interaction p < 0.0001). After balancing the selected demographic, socioeconomic and clinical factors, survival in Black vs. White patients was no longer different in those with SCC (AHR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.97-1.06) or AC (AHR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.96-1.24). In SCC, the largest contributors to survival disparities were neighborhood income and insurance. In AC, age was the most significant contributor followed by neighborhood income, insurance, and stage. Diagnosis of AC (but not SCC) at ≥65 years old was more common in Black vs. White patients (26% vs. 13%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Histology matters in survival disparities and diagnosis at ≥65 years old between Black and White cervical cancer patients. These disparities were largely explained by modifiable factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calen W Kucera
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicole P Chappell
- George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, George Washington Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chunqiao Tian
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; The Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael T Richardson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. USA
| | - Christopher M Tarney
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chad A Hamilton
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Women's Services and The Ochsner Cancer Institute, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - John K Chan
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation / California Pacific Medical Center /Sutter Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S Kapp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Charles A Leath
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yovanni Casablanca
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Christine Rojas
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA
| | - Collin A Sitler
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lari Wenzel
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ann Klopp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nathaniel L Jones
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Rodney P Rocconi
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Cancer Center & Research Institute, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - John H Farley
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Center for Women's Health, Cancer Institute, Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Timothy D O'Connor
- Institute for Genome Sciences, Department of Medicine and Program in Personalized and Genomic Medicine, and Program in Health Equity and Population Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Craig D Shriver
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas W Bateman
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; The Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas P Conrads
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Neil T Phippen
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - G Larry Maxwell
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Kathleen M Darcy
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; The Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Santos Salas A, Watanabe SM, Sinnarajah A, Bassah N, Huang F, Turner J, Alcalde Castro J, O'Rourke HM, Camargo-Plazas P, Salami B, Santana M, Campbell K, Abdel-Rahman O, Wildeman T, Vaughn L, Judge H, Ahmed S, Adewale B, Iyiola I. Increasing access to palliative care for patients with advanced cancer of African and Latin American descent: a patient-oriented community-based study protocol. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:204. [PMID: 38115105 PMCID: PMC10731745 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer disparities are a major public health concern in Canada, affecting racialized communities of Latin American and African descent, among others. This is evident in lower screening rates, lower access to curative, and palliative-intent treatments, higher rates of late cancer diagnoses and lower survival rates than the general Canadian population. We will develop an Access to Palliative Care Strategy informed by health equity and patient-oriented research principles to accelerate care improvements for patients with advanced cancer of African and Latin American descent. METHODS This is a community-based participatory research study that will take place in two Canadian provinces. Patients and community members representatives have been engaged as partners in the planning and design of the study. We have formed a patient advisory council (PAC) with patient partners to guide the development of the Access to Palliative Care Strategy for people of African and Latin American descent. We will engage100 participants consisting of advanced cancer patients, families, and community members of African and Latin American descent, and health care providers. We will conduct in-depth interviews to delineate participants' experiences of access to palliative care. We will explore the intersections of race, gender, socioeconomic status, language barriers, and other social categorizations to elucidate their role in diverse access experiences. These findings will inform the development of an action plan to increase access to palliative care that is tailored to our study population. We will then organize conversation series to examine together with community partners and healthcare providers the appropriateness, effectiveness, risks, requirements, and convenience of the strategy. At the end of the study, we will hold knowledge exchange gatherings to share findings with the community. DISCUSSION This study will improve our understanding of how patients with advanced cancer from racialized communities in Canada access palliative care. Elements to address gaps in access to palliative care and reduce inequities in these communities will be identified. Based on the study findings a strategy to increase access to palliative care for this population will be developed. This study will inform ways to improve access to palliative care for racialized communities in other parts of Canada and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Santos Salas
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Third Floor Edmonton, Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Sharon M Watanabe
- Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Aynharan Sinnarajah
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, 34 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Nahyeni Bassah
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Third Floor Edmonton, Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Fleur Huang
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Jill Turner
- Supportive Care Team Cross Cancer Institute and Division of Palliative Care Medicine, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Alcalde Castro
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Hannah M O'Rourke
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Third Floor Edmonton, Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | | | - Bukola Salami
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary Foothills Campus, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - María Santana
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary Foothills Campus, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Patient Engagement Team, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Katy Campbell
- Department of Women and Gender Studies, Faculty of Arts, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, 3-51 Assiniboia Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E7, Canada
| | - Omar Abdel-Rahman
- Medical Oncology Cross Cancer Institute and Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Tracy Wildeman
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Third Floor Edmonton, Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Lisa Vaughn
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Third Floor Edmonton, Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Harkeert Judge
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Third Floor Edmonton, Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Sadia Ahmed
- Patient Engagement Team, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Bisi Adewale
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Third Floor Edmonton, Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Iqmat Iyiola
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Third Floor Edmonton, Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
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Huguet N, Hodes T, Liu S, Marino M, Schmidt TD, Voss RW, Peak KD, Quiñones AR. Impact of Health Insurance Patterns on Chronic Health Conditions Among Older Patients. J Am Board Fam Med 2023; 36:839-850. [PMID: 37704394 PMCID: PMC10662026 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2023.230106r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients have varying levels of chronic conditions and health insurance patterns as they become Medicare age-eligible. Understanding these dynamics will inform policies and reforms that direct capacity and resources for primary care clinics to care for these aging patients. This study 1) determined changes in chronic condition rates following Medicare age eligibility among patients with different insurance patterns and 2) estimated the number of chronically ill patients who remain inadequately insured post-Medicare eligibility among patients receiving care in community health centers. METHOD We used retrospective electronic health record data from 45,527 patients aged 62 to 68 from 990 community health centers in 25 states in 2014 to 2019. Insurance patterns (continuously insured, continuously uninsured, uninsured/discontinuously insured who gained insurance after age 65, lost insurance after age 65, discontinuously insured) and diagnosis of chronic conditions were defined at each visit pre- and post-Medicare eligibility. Difference-in-differences Poisson GEE models estimated changes of chronic condition rates by insurance groups pre- to post-Medicare age eligibility. RESULTS Post-Medicare eligibility, 72% patients were continuously insured, 14% gained insurance; and 14% were uninsured or discontinuously insured. The prevalence of multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) was 77%. Those who gained insurance had a significantly larger increase in the rate of documented chronic conditions from pre- to post-Medicare (DID: 1.06, 95%CI:1.05-1.07) compared with the continuously insured group. CONCLUSIONS Post-Medicare age eligibility, a significant proportion of patients were diagnosed with new conditions leading to high burden of disease. One in 4 older adults continue to have inadequate health care coverage in their older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Huguet
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Tahlia Hodes
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Shuling Liu
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Miguel Marino
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | | | - Katherine D. Peak
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Ana R. Quiñones
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Xiong S, Ghebre R, Kulasingam S, Mason SM, Pratt RJ, Lazovich D. Exploring factors associated with preferences for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling among racially- and ethnically-diverse women in Minnesota: A cross-sectional study. Prev Med Rep 2023; 34:102243. [PMID: 37234567 PMCID: PMC10206196 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pap tests are still underutilized by minority women due to limited awareness of cervical cancer screening (CCS), inadequate health care access, and cultural or religious beliefs. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling, a new CCS tool, has demonstrated potential to overcome some of these barriers. In 2021, women aged 30-65 years old were recruited across Minnesota to complete an online survey. The survey assessed five outcome measures related to HPV self-sampling: (1) awareness of test; (2) self-efficacy to conduct test; (3) location preference of test (clinic vs. home); 4) collector preference (self vs. clinician); and (5) preference of CCS strategy (HPV self-sampling vs. Pap test). Modified Poisson regressions tested associations between sociodemographic variables and outcomes. A total of 420 women completed the survey, of which 32.4% identified as Non-Hispanic white, 22.2% as Hispanic, 12.6% as Black/African-American, 28.3% as Asian, 1.9% as American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 1.4% as more than two races. Few women had heard of HPV self-sampling (6.5%), but a majority reported high self-efficacy to perform self-sampling (75.3%). Women also reported higher preferences for completing an HPV test in the clinic (52.2%) and for performing a self-collected HPV test themselves (58.7%), yet would choose a traditional Pap test over HPV self-sampling (56.0%). The low level of HPV self-sampling awareness, across all racial/ethnic groups, suggests a strong opportunity to promote widespread educational efforts around this new tool. Future HPV self-sampling research efforts should examine educational interventions targeted at healthcare providers to educate and encourage women on the importance of self-collection options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Xiong
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 600 S Taylor Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Rahel Ghebre
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 425 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Shalini Kulasingam
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 425 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 1300 S 2nd Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States
| | - Susan M. Mason
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 1300 S 2nd Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States
| | - Rebekah J. Pratt
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 425 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Program in Health Disparities Research, University of Minnesota Medical School, 717 Delaware Street SE, Suite 166, Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States
| | - DeAnn Lazovich
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 425 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 1300 S 2nd Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States
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Yoder AK, Dong E, Yu X, Echeverria A, Sharma S, Montealegre J, Ludwig MS. Effect of Quality of Life on Radiation Adherence for Patients With Cervical Cancer in an Urban Safety Net Health System. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:182-190. [PMID: 36228745 PMCID: PMC10083186 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Outcomes for patients undergoing chemoradiation for cervical cancer are dependent on adherence to radiation therapy (RT). In other diseases, quality of life (QoL) is associated with treatment adherence, but the association between QoL and RT adherence for patients with cervical cancer remains unclear. METHODS AND MATERIALS This prospective study included patients undergoing RT for cervical cancer from 2017 to 2021 at an urban safety net hospital. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cervical Cancer Version 4 was used to assess QoL based on 5 subscales (physical, functional, social and emotional, and cervical-cancer specific). The survey was administered at radiation consult, then weekly during RT and at follow-up. Patient information was abstracted from the medical record. Radiation nonadherence was defined as missing ≥2 days of external beam RT. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cervical Cancer Version 4 total and subscale scores were compared between adherent and nonadherent patients. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for confounding variables. RESULTS Ninety-three patients were enrolled, completing 522 surveys. Median age at diagnosis was 46 years (interquartile range, 40-51); 76% of patients were Hispanic, and 12% were Black. Only 30% of patients were nonadherent with RT. A psychiatric comorbidity (P = .012) and symptomatic presentation (P = .027) were associated with decreased adherence. Baseline total QoL was higher in treatment-adherent than in nonadherent patients (median, 124.86; range, 48-160; 108.9, 46-150; P = .01). Higher baseline functional and physical subscale scores were associated with adherence (P < .05). Change from baseline to lowest score during treatment in the emotional subscale was also associated with patient adherence (P < .05). In multivariable analysis, higher baseline physical score, baseline total score, and change in emotional subscale score were associated with adherence (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Poor QoL during chemoradiation for cervical cancer is associated with missed treatments. Physician assessment of a patient's well-being while they are undergoing RT is of utmost importance to improve adherence to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Yoder
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Xiaoman Yu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Alfredo Echeverria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shelly Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jane Montealegre
- Department of Pediatrics-Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Michelle S Ludwig
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
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Perkins R, Mitchell E. Cervical cancer disparities. J Natl Med Assoc 2023; 115:S19-S25. [PMID: 37202000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Perkins
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Edith Mitchell
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Gartner DR, Islam JY, Margerison CE. Medicaid expansions and differences in guideline-adherent cervical cancer screening between American Indian and White women. Cancer Med 2023; 12:8700-8709. [PMID: 36629351 PMCID: PMC10134301 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although preventable through screening, cervical cancer incidence and mortality are higher among American Indian and Alaska Native women (AIAN) than White women. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (ACA) Medicaid expansions may uniquely impact access and use of cervical cancer screening among AIAN women and ultimately alleviate this disparity. METHODS Using Medicaid eligible AIAN (N = 4681) and White (N = 57,661) women aged 18-64 years from the 2010-2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we implemented difference-in-differences regression to estimate the association between the Medicaid expansions and guideline-adherent cervical cancer screening and health care coverage. RESULTS The Medicaid expansions were not associated with guideline-adherent cervical cancer screening (AIAN: -1 percentage point [ppt] [95% confidence interval, CI: -4, 2 ppts]; White: 3 ppts [95% CI: -0, 6 ppts]), but were associated with a 2 ppt increase (95% CI: 0, 4 ppt) in having had a pap test in the last 5 years among White women. The Medicaid expansions were also associated with increases in having a health plan (AIAN: 5 ppts [95% CI: 1, 9]; White: 11 ppts [95% CI: 7, 15]) and decreases in avoiding medical care due to costs (AIAN: -8 ppts [95% CI: -13, -2]; White: -6 ppts [95% CI: -9, -4]). CONCLUSIONS While we observed improvements in health care coverage, we did not observe changes to guideline-adherent cervical cancer screening following the ACA's Medicaid expansions. Given the disproportionate burden of cervical cancer among AIAN women, identifying ways to improve cervical cancer screening uptake and delivery should be prioritized to reduce preventable deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R. Gartner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Jessica Y. Islam
- Cancer Epidemiology ProgramH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research InstituteTampaFloridaUSA
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in CancerH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research InstituteTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of Oncologic SciencesUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Claire E. Margerison
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human MedicineMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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Kulkarni A, Glynn S, Gamble CR, Shen MJ, Cantillo E, Frey MK, Holcomb KM, Safford MM, Chapman-Davis E. Understanding Perceived Barriers to Colposcopy Follow-Up Among Underserved Women at an Urban Teaching Hospital: A Qualitative Study. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2023; 27:87-92. [PMID: 36074132 DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loss to follow-up after abnormal cervical cancer screening disproportionately impacts underserved populations. Our objective was to identify perceived barriers to follow-up after abnormal Pap smear among underserved women. METHODS Women with abnormal Pap smear presenting for colposcopy at an urban teaching hospital were asked to participate in qualitative interviews. A topic guide was developed to assess knowledge about cervical cancer screening and perceived barriers to follow-up. A demographic survey was completed and interviews were recorded and transcribed. Responses were coded and placed into a framework: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community barriers. Major themes and subthemes were identified. Demographic data were reported descriptively. RESULTS Of 24 women enrolled, 18 (75%) completed full interviews. Median age was 38 years (range = 21-64). Participants were racially diverse: 10 (56%) Hispanic, 7 (39%) non-Hispanic White, 1 (5.5%) non-Hispanic Black, and 1 (5.5%) Asian, and all had public insurance. Seven (39%) presented for their 1st colposcopy visit and 11 (61%) had previous visits. Seventeen (94%) had a positive human papillomavirus test and 7 (39%) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. The most common themes identified were related to knowledge gaps, including lack of understanding of Pap smears/human papillomavirus and cervical cancer risk factors. Most participants were satisfied with provider communication but dissatisfied with communication with the office, like scheduling appointments. CONCLUSIONS Despite positive patient perception of physician communication, knowledge was most commonly identified as a barrier to colposcopy follow-up. Implementing a web-based intervention addressing knowledge gaps may improve abnormal cervical cancer screening follow-up among this population.
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Sharma M, Batra K, Johansen C, Raich S. Explaining Correlates of Cervical Cancer Screening among Minority Women in the United States. Pharmacy 2022; 10:30. [PMID: 35202079 PMCID: PMC8875364 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of death among women. While overall cervical cancer rates have decreased over the last few decades, minority women continue to be disproportionately affected compared to White women. Given the paucity of theory-based interventions to promote Pap smear tests among minority women, this cross-sectional study attempts to examine the correlates of cervical cancer screening by Pap test using the Multi-theory Model (MTM) as a theoretical paradigm among minority women in the United States (U.S.). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was done for testing the construct validity of the survey instrument. Data were analyzed through bivariate and multivariate tests. In a sample of 364 minority women, nearly 31% (n = 112) of women reported not having received a Pap test within the past three years compared to the national rate (20.8%) for all women. The MTM constructs of participatory dialogue, behavioral confidence, and changes in the physical environment explained a substantial proportion of variance (49.5%) in starting the behavior of getting Pap tests, while the constructs of emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in the social environment, along with lack of health insurance and annual household income of less than $25,000, significantly explained the variance (73.6%) of the likelihood to sustain the Pap test behavior of getting it every three years. Among those who have had a Pap smear (n = 252), healthcare insurance, emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in the social environment predicted nearly 83.3% of the variance in sustaining Pap smear test uptake behavior (adjusted R2 = 0.833, F = 45.254, p < 0.001). This study validates the need for health promotion interventions based on MTM to be implemented to address the disparities of lower cervical cancer screenings among minority women.
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Lee G, Dee EC, Orav EJ, Kim DW, Nguyen PL, Wright AA, Lam MB. Association of Medicaid expansion and insurance status, cancer stage, treatment and mortality among patients with cervical cancer. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 4:e1407. [PMID: 33934574 PMCID: PMC8714536 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, little is known about the effect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion on care delivery and outcomes in cervical cancer. AIM We evaluated whether Medicaid expansion was associated with changes in insurance status, stage at diagnosis, timely treatment, and survival outcomes in cervical cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS Using the National Cancer Database, we performed a difference-in-differences (DID) cross-sectional analysis to compare insurance status, stage at diagnosis, timely treatment, and survival outcomes among cervical cancer patients residing in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states before (2011-2013) and after (2014-2015) Medicaid expansion. January 1, 2014 was used as the timepoint for Medicaid expansion. The primary outcomes of interest were insurance status, stage at diagnosis, treatment within 30 and 90 days of diagnosis, and overall survival. Fifteen thousand two hundred sixty-five patients (median age 50) were included: 42% from Medicaid expansion and 58% from nonexpansion states. Medicaid expansion was significantly associated with increased Medicaid coverage (adjusted DID = 11.0%, 95%CI = 8.2, 13.8, p < .01) and decreased rates of uninsured (adjusted DID = -3.0%, 95%CI = -5.2, -0.8, p < .01) among patients in expansion states compared with non-expansion states. However, Medicaid expansion was not associated with any significant changes in cancer stage at diagnosis or timely treatment. There was no significant change in survival from the pre- to post-expansion period in either expansion or nonexpansion states, and no significant differences between the two (DID-HR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.83, 1.09, p = .48). CONCLUSION Although Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in Medicaid coverage and decrease in uninsured among patients with cervical cancer, the effects of increased coverage on diagnosis and treatment outcomes may have yet to unfold. Future studies, including longer follow-up are necessary to understand the effects of Medicaid expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Lee
- Harvard Radiation Oncology ProgramBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Radiation OncologyBrigham and Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Edward Christopher Dee
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Radiation OncologyBrigham and Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - E. John Orav
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine in BostonBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of BiostatisticsHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Daniel W. Kim
- Harvard Radiation Oncology ProgramBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Radiation OncologyBrigham and Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Paul L. Nguyen
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Radiation OncologyBrigham and Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Alexi A. Wright
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medical OncologyDana Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Miranda B. Lam
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Radiation OncologyBrigham and Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
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11
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Maguire FB, Cooley JJP, Morris CR, Parikh-Patel A, Kennedy VA, Keegan THM. Symptomatic presentation of cervical cancer in emergency departments in California. Cancer Causes Control 2021; 32:1411-21. [PMID: 34424442 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-021-01489-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Through screening and HPV vaccination, cervical cancer can mostly be prevented or detected very early, before symptoms develop. However, cervical cancer persists, and many women are diagnosed at advanced stages. Little is known about the degree to which U.S. women may begin their diagnostic workup for cervical cancer in Emergency Departments (ED). We sought to quantify the proportion of women presenting symptomatically in the ED prior to their diagnosis with cervical cancer and to describe their characteristics and outcomes. Methods We identified women diagnosed from 2006 to 2017 with cervical cancer in the California Cancer Registry. We linked this cohort to statewide ED discharge records to determine ED use and symptoms present at the encounter. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations with ED use and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models examined associations with survival. Results Of the more than 16,000 women with cervical cancer in the study cohort, 28% presented symptomatically in the ED prior to diagnosis. Those presenting symptomatically were more likely to have public (odds ratio [OR] 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.27) or no insurance (OR 4.81; CI 4.06–5.71) (vs. private), low socioeconomic status (SES) (OR 1.76; CI 1.52–2.04), late-stage disease (OR 5.29; CI 4.70–5.96), and had a 37% increased risk of death (CI 1.28–1.46). Conclusion Nearly a third of women with cervical cancer presented symptomatically, outside of a primary care setting, suggesting that many women, especially those with low SES, may not be benefiting from screening or healthcare following abnormal results.
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12
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Abu-Rustum NR. Reducing Disparities in Cervical Cancer Mortality Among Young Black Women. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2021; 19:879-880. [PMID: 34340205 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.7069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Jaakkimainen L, Bayoumi I, Glazier RH, Premji K, Kiran T, Khan S, Frymire E, Green ME. Development and validation of an algorithm using health administrative data to define patient attachment to primary care providers. J Health Organ Manag 2021; ahead-of-print. [PMID: 34304401 PMCID: PMC8956282 DOI: 10.1108/jhom-05-2020-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The authors developed and validated an algorithm using health administrative data to identify patients who are attached or uncertainly attached to a primary care provider (PCP) using patient responses to a survey conducted in Ontario, Canada. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a validation study using as a reference standard respondents to a community-based survey who indicated they did or did not have a PCP. The authors developed and tested health administrative algorithms against this reference standard. The authors calculated the sensitivity, specificity positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) on the final patient attachment algorithm. The authors then applied the attachment algorithm to the 2017 Ontario population. Findings The patient attachment algorithm had an excellent sensitivity (90.5%) and PPV (96.8%), though modest specificity (46.1%) and a low NPV (21.3%). This means that the algorithm assigned survey respondents as being attached to a PCP and when in fact they said they had a PCP, yet a significant proportion of those found to be uncertainly attached had indicated they did have a PCP. In 2017, most people in Ontario, Canada (85.4%) were attached to a PCP but 14.6% were uncertainly attached. Research limitations/implications Administrative data for nurse practitioner's encounters and other interprofessional care providers are not currently available. The authors also cannot separately identify primary care visits conducted in walk in clinics using our health administrative data. Finally, the definition of hospital-based healthcare use did not include outpatient specialty care. Practical implications Uncertain attachment to a primary health care provider is a recurrent problem that results in inequitable access in health services delivery. Providing annual reports on uncertainly attached patients can help evaluate primary care system changes developed to improve access. This algorithm can be used by health care planners and policy makers to examine the geographic variability and time trends of the uncertainly attached population to inform the development of programs to improve primary care access. Social implications As primary care is an essential component of a person's medical home, identifying regions or high need populations that have higher levels of uncertainly attached patients will help target programs to support their primary care access and needs. Furthermore, this approach will be useful in future research to determine the health impacts of uncertain attachment to primary care, especially in view of a growing body of the literature highlighting the importance of primary care continuity. Originality/value This patient attachment algorithm is the first to use existing health administrative data validated with responses from a patient survey. Using patient surveys alone to assess attachment levels is expensive and time consuming to complete. They can also be subject to poor response rates and recall bias. Utilizing existing health administrative data provides more accurate, timely estimates of patient attachment for everyone in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Jaakkimainen
- Primary Care and Health Systems, ICES, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Imaan Bayoumi
- Department of Familty Medicine, Queens University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Richard H Glazier
- ICES, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kamila Premji
- Central Ottawa Family Medicine Associates, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Tara Kiran
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michaels's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Eliot Frymire
- ICES, Queens University, Kingston, Canada.,Health Services and Policy Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Michael E Green
- ICES, Queens University, Kingston, Canada.,Departments of Family Medicine, Health Services and Policy Research Institute, Kingston, Canada
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14
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Nyakudarika NC, Holschneider CH, Sinno AK. Universal social needs assessment in gynecologic oncology: An important step toward more informed and targeted care in the public safety net. Cancer 2021; 127:3809-3816. [PMID: 34250590 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social needs are actionable mediators of social determinants of health. Along with distress, they affect quality of life and survival in patients with cancer. The objectives of this study were to identify the most common social needs and distress in a largely immigrant gynecologic oncology patient population at a public safety-net hospital and to evaluate for specific needs associated with distress and poor outcomes. METHODS This was a prospective, survey-based cohort study of patients who participated in a performance-improvement initiative offering social needs assessment and distress screening. Patients provided sociodemographic information and completed validated surveys adapted from the Health Leads Social Needs Screening Toolkit, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer, and the Emotion Thermometers Tool. Associations between social needs, distress, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS In total, 135 women were included. Of these, 65.2% had at least 1 unmet social need, and 36.3% screened positive for distress. Help reading hospital materials (30.4%) was the most frequently reported need. Social isolation (odds ratio [OR], 3.65; 95% CI, 1.35-9.9; P = .01) and lack of safety at home (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 2.23-10.62; P = .0001) were associated with distress. Perceived lack of finances for medical care (OR, 5.69; 95% CI, 1.12-28.9; P = .036) and lack of transportation (OR, 20.5; 95% CI, 2.69-156.7; P = .004) were associated with nonadherence-related treatment interruption, whereas positive distress scores were associated with interruption because of comorbidities or treatment-related toxicities (OR, 20.5; 95% CI, 1.5-268.6; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Systematically identifying social needs and developing interventions aimed at mitigating them may lead to more actionable health care disparities research and affect treatment outcomes. LAY SUMMARY Social needs are individual-level social conditions that drive health disparities. In this survey-based study, the objective was to identify common social needs and how these relate to distress and poor health outcomes in a largely immigrant and underserved gynecologic oncology patient population. The authors found that greater than one-third of patients screened positive for distress, nearly two-thirds had at least 1 unmet social need, and these factors were associated with emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and treatment interruptions. These findings suggest that screening for universal social needs allows providers to identify unrecognized needs and implement interventions to mitigate distress and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsai C Nyakudarika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olive View-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center, Sylmar, California.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christine H Holschneider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olive View-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center, Sylmar, California.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California-Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Abdulrahman K Sinno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Olive View-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center, Sylmar, California.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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15
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Goyal UD, Mehta PP, Samreth S, Gloss J, Cui H, Roe D, Dougherty S. Reproducibility of vaginal immobilization balloons in situ overnight for cervical cancer brachytherapy. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2021; 13:280-5. [PMID: 34122567 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2021.106117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The use of vaginal immobilization balloons placed into the vagina for immobilization of tandem and ovoid (T+O) applicator during high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy delivery has been used at our institution, and seems to have improved our patient comfort, decreased procedure time, and minimized applicator misplacement. We aimed to show that these balloons, while originally marketed for single-day use, are safe and maintain applicator positioning/dosimetry when left in situ overnight for treatment delivery on sequential days. Material and methods Forty-two paired computed tomography (CT) scans from thirteen patients who underwent T+O HDR treatments on sequential days with vaginal immobilization balloons in situ overnight were retrospectively compared to calculate mean change of balloon volumes and balloon/T+O distance to bony landmarks. Dosimetric planning was retroactively performed on day 2 using CT scan of each pair, and the change in estimated radiation delivery to the bladder and rectum was compared. Results No statistically significant overnight changes were found in balloon volumes or anterior balloon positioning. The posterior balloon shifted -0.29 ±0.46 cm (p = 0.03) to the anterior public symphysis and 0.32 ±0.50 cm (p = 0.01) to the right femoral head. The tandem shifted 0.37 ±0.39 cm (p = 0.002) to the pubic symphysis. There was no significant difference found in radiation delivered to the bladder or rectum between the paired scans. Conclusions This study showed minimal change in balloon volumes, balloons/T+O positioning, or in radiation dose to bladder and rectum when the applicator remained overnight. These findings support that inflatable vaginal immobilization balloons remaining in situ overnight for additional HDR T+O treatments on sequential days, is safe and provides stable dosimetry.
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16
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Cha EY, Chun H. Barriers and Challenges to Cervical Cancer Screening, Follow-Up, and Prevention Measures among Korean Immigrant Women in Hawaii. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2021; 8:132-138. [PMID: 33688561 PMCID: PMC7934592 DOI: 10.4103/2347-5625.308302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite being the fastest-growing population in the United States, Asian American women have one of the lowest cancer screening rates and the least attention given to cancer-related research. Cervical cancer screening disparities among Korean immigrant women (KIWs) in Hawaii have been reported. METHODS The qualitative ethnographic study was to explore the health barriers and challenges of cervical cancer prevention among KIWs in Hawaii. The Social Ecological Model was used to guide the study. Data were collected using individual structured interviews with 20 KIWs aged 21-65 years. The data were coded and analyzed to identify themes in exploring health barriers. RESULTS The findings revealed that participants (a) lacked knowledge about the U.S. health-care system; (b) lacked access; (c) had limited resources regarding cervical cancer screening communicated in Korean; (d) lacked an understanding of cultural and psychosocial beliefs on preventive care; (e) lacked female and Korean-speaking providers; and (f) experienced language barriers and limited coverage of health insurance. CONCLUSIONS A multicomponent intervention combining individual and community-based, Internet-accessible, culturally, and linguistically appropriate approaches may enhance effective cervical cancer screening rates and positive health outcomes among KIWs in Hawaii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eurina Yujin Cha
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Hans Chun
- School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI, USA
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17
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Ford S, Tarraf W, Williams KP, Roman LA, Leach R. Differences in cervical cancer screening and follow-up for black and white women in the United States. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 160:369-374. [PMID: 33323276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study differences in screening adherence and follow-up after an abnormal Pap test in Non-Hispanic Black (Black) and Non-Hispanic White (White) women. METHODS An observational cohort study using 2010 National Health Interview Survey cancer module to examine HPV knowledge, screening behavior, and follow-up to abnormal Pap test in Black and White women 18 years of age or older without a hysterectomy. We fit logistic regression models to examine associations between race and primary outcome variables including: HPV awareness, Pap test in the last three years, provider recommended Pap test, received Pap test results, had an abnormal Pap test, recommended follow-up, and adhered to the recommendation for follow-up. RESULTS Analyzing data for 7509 women, Black women had lower odds ratios [OR] for: 1) HPV awareness (71% vs 83%; OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.36-0.49); 2) reporting Pap screening was recommended (59% vs 64%; OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.66-0.88), and 3) acknowledging receipt of Pap results (92% vs 94%; OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.49-0.83). Group differences persisted after covariates adjustment. In adjusted models, Black women had higher odds of reporting recent Pap screening (84% vs 77%; OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.42-2.03), but reported lower odds of receiving a follow-up recommendation subsequent to abnormal test (78% vs 87%; OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.31-0.95). CONCLUSION Black women reported higher cervical cancer screening adherence but lower rates of being informed of an abnormal Pap test and contacted for follow-up treatment. We recommend a multilevel approach to deliver culturally appropriate education and communication for patients, physicians, clinicians in training, and clinic level ancillary staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Ford
- Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, East Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America.
| | - Wassim Tarraf
- Institute of Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America.
| | - Karen Patricia Williams
- Center for Women, Children & Youth, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States of America.
| | - Lee Anne Roman
- Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 965 Wilson Road, East Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America.
| | - Richard Leach
- Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Spectrum Health Medical Group, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States of America.
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18
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Beavis AL, Sanneh A, Stone RL, Vitale M, Levinson K, Rositch AF, Fader AN, Topel K, Abing A, Wethington SL. Basic social resource needs screening in the gynecologic oncology clinic: a quality improvement initiative. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:735.e1-735.e14. [PMID: 32433998 PMCID: PMC8340269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social determinants of health are known to contribute to disparities in health outcomes. Routine screening for basic social needs is not a part of standard care; however, the association of those needs with increased healthcare utilization and poor compliance with guideline-directed care is well established. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of basic social resource needs identified through a quality improvement initiative in a gynecologic oncology outpatient clinic. In addition, we aimed to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with having basic social resource needs. STUDY DESIGN We performed a prospective cohort study of women presenting to a gynecologic oncology clinic at an urban academic institution who were screened for basic social resource needs as part of a quality improvement initiative from July 2017 to May 2018. The following 8 domains of resource needs were assessed: food insecurity, housing insecurity, utility needs, financial strain, transportation, childcare, household items, and difficulty reading hospital materials. Women with needs were referred to resources to address those needs. Demographic and clinical information were collected for each patient. The prevalence of needs and successful follow-up interventions were calculated. Patient factors independently associated with having at least 1 basic social resource need were identified using multivariable Poisson regression. RESULTS A total of 752 women were screened in the study period, of whom 274 (36%) reported 1 or more basic social resource need, with a median of 1 (range, 1-7) need. Financial strain was the most commonly reported need (171 of 752, 23%), followed by transportation (119 of 752, 16%), difficulty reading hospital materials (54 of 752, 7%), housing insecurity (31 of 752, 4%), food insecurity (28 of 752, 4%), household items (22 of 752, 3%), childcare (15 of 752, 2%), and utility needs (13 of 752, 2%). On multivariable analysis, independent factors associated with having at least 1 basic social resource need were being single, divorced or widowed, nonwhite race, current smoker, nonprivate insurance, and a history of anxiety or depression. A total of 36 of 274 (13%) women who screened positive requested assistance and were referred to resources to address those needs. Of the 36 women, 25 (69%) successfully accessed a resource or felt equipped to address their needs, 9 (25%) could not be reached despite repeated attempts, and 2 (6%) declined assistance. CONCLUSION Basic social resource needs are prevalent in women presenting to an urban academic gynecologic oncology clinic and can be identified and addressed through routine screening. To help mitigate ongoing disparities in this population, screening for and addressing basic social resource needs should be incorporated into routine comprehensive care in gynecologic oncology clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Louise Beavis
- Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Awa Sanneh
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Rebecca L Stone
- Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Kimberly Levinson
- Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Anne F Rositch
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Amanda Nickles Fader
- Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kristin Topel
- Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Stephanie L Wethington
- Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
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19
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Abdel-Rahman O, Salas AS, Watanabe SM, Li X. Burden of depression among Canadian adults with cancer; results from a national survey. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2020; 21:667-672. [PMID: 32885693 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1819794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and association of depression among Canadian adults with cancer in a population-based context. METHODS The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) (2015-2016) was accessed and adult participants with cancer who completed the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) were included in the current analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to elucidate the factors associated with the development of depression. An additional multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of depression with ever contemplating suicide (suicidal ideation). RESULTS A total of 867 participants with cancer have completed PHQ9 were included in the current analysis (including 603 participants (69.6%) without depression (PHQ9 ≤ 4) and 264 participants (30.4%) with depression (PHQ9 > 4)). Moreover, 92 participants (10.6%) fulfill the criteria for moderate/severe depression (PHQ9 > 9). The following factors were associated with the presence of depression (PHQ9 > 4), female sex (OR for males versus females: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.93; P = 0.02); poor self-perceived health (OR for excellent health versus poor health: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.62; P = 0.01) and poor self-perceived mental health (OR for excellent mental health versus poor mental health: 0.02; 95% CI: <0.01-0.24; P < 0.01). Additional multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that depression (PHQ9 > 4) was associated with a higher probability of suicidal ideation (OR for no depression versus depression: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21-0.91; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Depression seems to be an underdiagnosed and possibly undertreated comorbid condition among Canadian adults with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna Santos Salas
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sharon M Watanabe
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xinmin Li
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Walter LA, Leader E, Galbraith JW. Human Papillomavirus Awareness, Vaccine Status, and Risk Factors in Female Emergency Patients. West J Emerg Med 2020; 21:203-208. [PMID: 32191177 PMCID: PMC7081844 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2019.12.44422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A vaccine targeting high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains can effectively prevent HPV-associated cervical cancer risk. However, many girls and women do not receive the vaccine, more often those impacted by health disparities associated with race and/or socioeconomic status. This same disparate population has also been shown to be at higher risk for cervical cancer. Many of these women also rely on the emergency department (ED) as a safety net for their healthcare. This study sought to gather information pertaining to HPV and cervical cancer risk factors, awareness of HPV and the vaccine, as well as HPV vaccine uptake in female patients presenting to an ED. Methods We obtained 81 surveys completed by female ED patients. Demographics included age, race, income, insurance status, primary care provider status, and known cervical-cancer risk factors. Subsequent survey questions explored respondents’ knowledge, familiarity, and attitudes regarding HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine, including vaccination uptake rates. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test. Results Approximately one in seven respondents (14.8%) had never previously heard of HPV and 32.1% were unaware of the existence of a HPV vaccine. Minority patients, including those who were Black and Hispanic patients, low income patients, and uninsured and publicly insured patients were less likely to be aware of HPV and the vaccine and likewise were less likely to be offered and receive the vaccine. More than 60% of all respondents (61.3%) had never previously been offered the vaccine, and only 24.7% of all respondents had completed the vaccine series. Conclusion Female ED patients may represent an at-risk cohort with relatively low HPV awareness and low HPV vaccine uptake. The ED could represent a novel opportunity to access and engage high-risk HPV populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Walter
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Emergency Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Elizabeth Leader
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Emergency Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - James W Galbraith
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Jackson, Mississippi
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of the dependent coverage mandate of the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) on insurance status, stage at diagnosis, and receipt of fertility-sparing treatment among young women with gynecologic cancer. METHODS We used a difference-in-differences design to assess insurance status, stage at diagnosis (stage I-II vs III-IV), and receipt of fertility-spearing treatment before and after the 2010 ACA among young women aged 21-26 years vs women aged 27-35 years. We used the National Cancer Database with the 2004-2009 surveys as the pre-ACA years and the 2011-2014 surveys as the post-ACA years. Women with uterine, cervical, ovarian, vulvar, or vaginal cancer were included. We analyzed outcomes for women overall and by cancer and insurance type, adjusting for race, nonrural area, and area-level household income and education level. RESULTS A total of 1,912 gynecologic cancer cases pre-ACA and 2,059 post-ACA were identified for women aged 21-26 years vs 9,782 cases pre-ACA and 10,456 post-ACA for women aged 27-35 years. The ACA was associated with increased insurance (difference in differences 2.2%, 95% CI -4.0 to 0.1, P=.04) for young women aged 21-26 years vs women aged 27-35 years and with a significant improvement in early stage at cancer diagnosis (difference in differences 3.6%, 95% CI 0.4-6.9, P=.03) for women aged 21-26 years. Receipt of fertility-sparing treatment increased for women in both age groups post-ACA (P for trend=.004 for women aged 21-26 years and .001 for women aged 27-35 years); there was no significant difference in differences between age groups. Privately insured women were more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage and receive fertility-sparing treatment than publicly insured or uninsured women throughout the study period (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Under the ACA's dependent coverage mandate, young women with gynecologic cancer were more likely to be insured and diagnosed at an early stage of disease.
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Powell TC, Dilley SE, Bae S, Straughn JM Jr, Kim KH, Leath CA 3rd. The Impact of Racial, Geographic, and Socioeconomic Risk Factors on the Development of Advanced-Stage Cervical Cancer. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2018; 22:269-73. [PMID: 30063575 DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite screening, disparities exist in cervical cancer incidence and outcomes. Demographic factors are associated with diagnosis at advanced stage (AS), but less is known about geographic factors. We sought to investigate risk factors for developing AS cervical cancer in Alabama. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified women treated for cervical cancer from 2005 to 2015 at our institution. Stages II-IV were considered AS. ZIP codes were categorized by federal Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes, and 16 historically underserved counties were categorized as Black Belt rural. Using data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, we identified women's health provider locations. We explored associations between stage and multiple factors using logistic regression. RESULTS Of 934 patients, 29.2% were black, 52.7% had AS cancer, and 63.4% lived in urban areas. Average distance to nearest American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellow in urban, rural, and Black Belt rural areas was 5.0, 10.6, and 13.7 miles, respectively. Black race, public insurance and age of older than 65 years were associated with increased risk of AS cancer. Living in a rural area trended toward higher risk but was not significant. When stratified by race, insurance status and age were associated with AS cancer in white women only. CONCLUSIONS Living further from a women's health provider or in a rural area was not associated with a higher risk of AS cervical cancer. Black women had a higher risk of AS than white women regardless of age, insurance status, and geography. Disparities in cervical cancer are multifactorial and necessitate further research into socioeconomic, biologic, and systems causes.
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Spees LP, Wheeler SB, Varia M, Weinberger M, Baggett CD, Zhou X, Petermann VM, Brewster WR. Evaluating the urban-rural paradox: The complicated relationship between distance and the receipt of guideline-concordant care among cervical cancer patients. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 152:112-8. [PMID: 30442384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Urban-rural health disparities are often attributed to the longer distances rural patients travel to receive care. However, a recent study suggests that distance to care may affect urban and rural cancer patients differentially. We examined whether this urban-rural paradox exists among patients with cervical cancer. METHODS We identified individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer from 2004 to 2013 using a statewide cancer registry linked to multi-payer, insurance claims. Our primary outcome was receipt of guideline-concordant care: surgery for stages IA1-IB1; external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), concomitant chemotherapy, and brachytherapy for stages IB2-IVA. We estimated risk ratios (RR) using modified Poisson regressions, stratified by urban/rural location, to examine the association between distance to nearest facility and receipt of treatment. RESULTS 62% of 999 cervical cancer patients received guideline-concordant care. The association between distance and receipt of care differed by type of treatment. In urban areas, cancer patients who lived ≥15 miles from the nearest surgical facility were less likely to receive primary surgical management compared to those <5 miles from the nearest surgical facility (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-0.98). In rural areas, patients living ≥15 miles from the nearest brachytherapy facility were more likely to receive treatment compared to those <5 miles from the nearest brachytherapy facility (RR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.14-2.58). Distance was not associated with the receipt of chemotherapy or EBRT. CONCLUSIONS Among cervical cancer patients, there is evidence supporting the urban-rural paradox, i.e., geographic distance to cancer care facilities is not consistently associated with treatment receipt in expected or consistent ways. Healthcare systems must consider the diverse and differential barriers encountered by urban and rural residents to improve access to high quality cancer care.
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Temkin SM, Rimel BJ, Bruegl AS, Gunderson CC, Beavis AL, Doll KM. A contemporary framework of health equity applied to gynecologic cancer care: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology evidenced-based review. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 149:70-77. [PMID: 29605053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Health disparities are defined as the preventable difference in the burden of disease, injury, and violence, or opportunity to achieve optimal health that socially disadvantaged populations experience compared to the population as a whole. Disparities in incidence and cancer outcomes for women with gynecologic malignancies have been well described particularly for American women of Black race. The etiology of these disparities has been tied to socio-economics, cultural, educational and genetic factors. While access to high quality treatment has been primarily linked to survival from cervical and ovarian cancer, innate biologic distinctions have been principally cited as reasons for differences in incidence and mortality in cancers of the uterine corpus. This article will update the framework of disparities to incorporate a broader understanding of the social determinants of health and how they affect health equity by addressing the root causes of disparities within the health care system. Special populations are identified who are at risk for health inequities which include but are not limited to Black race, underserved racial and ethnic minorities (e.g. indigenous peoples, low English fluency), trans/gender nonconforming people and rural populations. Each of these populations at risk have unique structural barriers within the healthcare system impacting gynecologic cancer outcomes. The authors provide practical recommendations for practitioners aimed at eliminating cancer related outcome disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Temkin
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - B J Rimel
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Camille C Gunderson
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma city, OK, USA
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Jalloul RJ, Sharma S, Tung CS, O'Donnell B, Ludwig M. Pattern of Care, Health Care Disparities, and Their Impact on Survival Outcomes in Stage IVB Cervical Cancer: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2018; 28:1003-12. [PMID: 29757872 DOI: 10.1097/IGC.0000000000001264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although locally advanced cervical cancer can be cured, patients with stage IVB disease have poor prognosis with limited treatment options. Our aim was to describe the pattern of care and analyze health disparity variables that may account for differences in treatment modalities and survival in this population. METHODS The National Cancer Database was queried for patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Codes representing parenchymal and lymphatic metastasis (beyond the para-aortic radiation fields) were used to identify the cohort. Variables included age, race, insurance status, comorbidity, treatment modality, and outcomes. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to compare survival curves and Cox proportional hazards to estimate the association between variables and overall survival (OS). Log-rank method was used to compare Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS There were 4576 patients identified. The majority was white (59.7%); 19.5% were Hispanic, and 9.6% were black. Fifty-one percent had Medicare/Medicaid; 33.7% had private, and 12.5% had no insurance. The majority (56.3%) received chemotherapy (CMT) alone or in combination with radiation therapy (RT) and/or surgery. Median follow-up was 7.3 months (0-124.8 months). Median OS was 11.5 months (10.5-12.5 months). Higher probability of receiving CMT and RT was associated with having private insurance (P < 0.001). Significant prognostic values positively affecting survival on multivariate analysis included black and Asian race, private insurance, comorbidity index of 0, metastatic site at initial presentation (lung), and treatment modality. Patients treated with CMT + RT with or without surgery had significantly better median OS (12 months) compared with those treated with CMT alone (8.3 months), RT alone (4.8 months), or those untreated (2.3 months) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Insurance status influences treatment options in patients with distant metastatic cervical cancer. Race, comorbidity index, metastatic site, and suboptimal treatment appear to affect survival outcomes. Regardless of treatment, survival was extremely limited.
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Rocha TA, Silva NC, Thomaz EB, Queiroz RC, Souza MR, Lein A, Rocha JV, Alvares V, Almeida DG, Barbosa AC, Thumé E, Staton C, Vissoci JR, Facchini LA. Primary Health Care and Cervical Cancer Mortality Rates in Brazil: A Longitudinal Ecological Study. J Ambul Care Manage 2017; 40 Suppl 2 Supplement, The Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ):S24-34. [PMID: 28252500 DOI: 10.1097/JAC.0000000000000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Cervical cancer is a common neoplasm that is responsible for nearly 230 000 deaths annually in Brazil. Despite this burden, cervical cancer is considered preventable with appropriate care. We conducted a longitudinal ecological study from 2002 to 2012 to examine the relationship between the delivery of preventive primary care and cervical cancer mortality rates in Brazil. Brazilian states and the federal district were the unit of analysis (N = 27). Results suggest that primary health care has contributed to reducing cervical cancer mortality rates in Brazil; however, the full potential of preventive care has yet to be realized.
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Benard VB, Watson M, Saraiya M, Harewood R, Townsend JS, Stroup AM, Weir HK, Allemani C. Cervical cancer survival in the United States by race and stage (2001-2009): Findings from the CONCORD-2 study. Cancer 2017; 123 Suppl 24:5119-5137. [PMID: 29205300 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overall, cervical cancer survival in the United States has been reported to be among the highest in the world, despite slight decreases over the last decade. Objective of the current study was to describe cervical cancer survival trends among US women and examine differences by race and stage. METHODS This study used data from the CONCORD-2 study to compare survival among women (aged 15-99 years) diagnosed in 37 states covering 80% of the US population. Survival was adjusted for background mortality (net survival) with state- and race-specific life tables and was age-standardized with the International Cancer Survival Standard weights. Five-year survival was compared by race (all races, blacks, and whites). Two time periods, 2001-2003 and 2004-2009, were considered because of changes in how the staging variable was collected. RESULTS From 2001 to 2009, 90,620 women were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer. The proportion of cancers diagnosed at a regional or distant stage increased over time in most states. Overall, the 5-year survival was 63.5% in 2001-2003 and 62.8% in 2004-2009. The survival was lower for black women versus white women in both calendar periods and in most states; black women had a higher proportion of distant-stage cancers. CONCLUSIONS The stability of the overall survival over time and the persistent differences in survival between white and black women in all US states suggest that there is a need for targeted interventions and improved access to screening, timely treatment, and follow-up care, especially among black women. Cancer 2017;123:5119-37. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki B Benard
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Meg Watson
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mona Saraiya
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rhea Harewood
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie S Townsend
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Antoinette M Stroup
- Department of Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Hannah K Weir
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Claudia Allemani
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Gawron LM, Redd A, Suo Y, Pettey W, Turok DK, Gundlapalli AV. Long-acting Reversible Contraception Among Homeless Women Veterans With Chronic Health Conditions: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Med Care 2017; 55 Suppl 9 Suppl 2:S111-S120. [PMID: 28806374 PMCID: PMC5654542 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND US women Veterans are at increased risk of homelessness and chronic health conditions associated with unintended pregnancy. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provision of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) can assist in healthy pregnancy planning. OBJECTIVES To evaluate perinatal risk factors and LARC exposure in ever-homeless women Veterans. RESEARCH DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of women Veterans using VHA administrative data from fiscal years 2002-2015. SUBJECTS We included 41,747 ever-homeless women Veterans age 18-44 years and 46,391 housed women Veterans matched by military service period. A subgroup of 7773 ever-homeless and 8674 matched housed women Veterans deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan [Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND)] conflicts comprised a second analytic cohort. MEASURES Descriptive statistics compared demographic, military, health conditions, and LARC exposure in ever-homeless versus housed women Veterans. Multivariable logistic regression explored factors associated with LARC exposure in the OEF/OIF/OND subgroup. RESULTS All health conditions were significantly higher in ever-homeless versus housed Veterans: mental health disorder in 84.5% versus 48.7% (P<0.001), substance abuse in 35.8% versus 8.6% (P<0.001), and medical conditions in 74.7% versus 55.6% (P<0.001). LARC exposure among all VHA users was 9.3% in ever-homeless Veterans versus 5.4% in housed Veterans (P<0.001). LARC exposure in the OEF/OIF/OND cohort was 14.1% in ever-homeless Veterans versus 8.2% in housed Veterans (P<0.001). In the OEF/OIF/OND cohort, homelessness along Veterans with medical and mental health indicators were leading LARC exposure predictors. CONCLUSIONS The VHA is successfully engaging homeless women Veterans and providing LARC access. The prevalence of perinatal risk factors in ever-homeless women Veterans highlights a need for further programmatic enhancements to improve reproductive planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori M. Gawron
- Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Andrew Redd
- Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Ying Suo
- Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Warren Pettey
- Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - David K. Turok
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Adi V. Gundlapalli
- Informatics, Decision Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
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Echeverria A, Manley H, OʼDonnell B, Asper J, Bonnen M, Ludwig M. Factors Associated With Radiation Treatment Compliance for Women With Cervical Cancer in a Safety Net Health System. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2017; 27:1464-71. [PMID: 28604458 DOI: 10.1097/IGC.0000000000001035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine whether patient characteristics are associated with radiation treatment noncompliance. METHODS/MATERIALS We retrospectively studied 244 patients with cervical cancer treated with chemoradiation between May 2006 and August 2015 at a safety net health center. Compliance with treatment was defined as missing less than 2 days of scheduled radiation. RESULTS Treatment records revealed a compliance rate of 50.8% in this population. Factors associated with noncompliance were younger age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.037; P = 0.004), presence of psychiatric diagnosis (HR, 0.581; P = 0.044), and having insurance (HR, 0.484; P = 0.022). Noncompliance was associated with a decrease in disease-free survival (HR, 0.555; P = 0.042) but was not associated with overall survival. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage was associated with detriment in overall survival on multivariate analysis (HR, 2.034; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Younger patients, those with psychiatric illness, and those with insurance define a group that is more likely to be noncompliant with treatment and hence may require up-front intervention to improve outcomes.
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Luque JS, Tarasenko YN, Li H, Davila CB, Knight RN, Alcantar RE. Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Hispanic Immigrant Women in Coastal South Carolina. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2018; 5:588-97. [PMID: 28702925 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-017-0404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine prevalence and correlates of cervical cancer screening utilization and adherence among a growing population of Hispanic immigrant women in coastal South Carolina. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 196 women to assess recency of screening and hypothesized study predictors (health status, beliefs, self-efficacy, having a regular provider, barriers to screening, and trust in providers). Multiple ordinal logistic regressions identified final covariates which would predict recency of screening. RESULTS Approximately 84% of women were up-to-date with their Pap tests and 47% had received a Pap test in the previous year. In the adjusted analyses, having a regular provider and having a chronic medical condition were significantly associated with recency of Pap test. CONCLUSIONS Differences in cervical cancer screening for participants were partially explained by psychosocial factors, health status, and individual and structural barriers to healthcare.
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Nelson EJ, Maynard BR, Loux T, Fatla J, Gordon R, Arnold LD. The acceptability of self-sampled screening for HPV DNA: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sex Transm Infect 2016; 93:56-61. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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Barrington DA, Dilley SE, Landers EE, Thomas ED, Boone JD, Straughn JM, McGwin G, Leath CA. Distance from a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A proxy for poor cervical cancer outcomes? Gynecol Oncol 2016; 143:617-621. [PMID: 27720232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential relationship between outcomes in cervical cancer patients based on distance from our Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC). METHODS A retrospective cohort study of cervical cancer patients was performed. Abstracted data included: demographics, clinicopathologic variables, treatment, and survival. Analyses both by quartiles and distance <100 and ≥100miles from our institution were performed. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9.2. RESULTS 390 patients living a median distance of 58.1miles (range 1.2-571miles) from our CCC were identified. Patients were generally white (n=249), non-smokers (n=226), with Stage IB disease (n=222), squamous histology (n=295) and underwent primary surgical therapy (n=229). Patients were divided into both quartiles as well as two strata: <100 and ≥100miles for comparison. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) favored patients living closer to our center with a lower median OS for patients living ≥100miles (65.4vs. 99.4months; p=0.040). Cox proportional hazard modeling noted that advanced stage was predictive of inferior PFS and OS, while other clinical covariates including age, BMI, race, smoking status and histology had a variable impact on outcomes and distance >100miles was associated with a higher risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]=1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.54). CONCLUSION Overall survival for patients living >100miles from our CCC was worse when compared to patients in closer proximity. Outreach efforts and utilization of navigators may help decrease the impact of geographic and racial disparities on outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Barrington
- University of Alabama, Birmingham Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, United States
| | - Sarah E Dilley
- University of Alabama, Birmingham Division of Gynecologic Oncology, United States
| | - Emily E Landers
- University of Alabama, Birmingham Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, United States
| | - Eric D Thomas
- University of Alabama, Birmingham Division of Gynecologic Oncology, United States
| | - Jonathon D Boone
- University of Alabama, Birmingham Division of Gynecologic Oncology, United States
| | - J Michael Straughn
- University of Alabama, Birmingham Division of Gynecologic Oncology, United States
| | - Gerald McGwin
- University of Alabama, Birmingham Department of Epidemiology, United States
| | - Charles A Leath
- University of Alabama, Birmingham Division of Gynecologic Oncology, United States.
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Adams SV, Burnett-Hartman AN, Karnopp A, Bansal A, Cohen SA, Warren-Mears V, Ramsey SD. Cancer Stage in American Indians and Alaska Natives Enrolled in Medicaid. Am J Prev Med 2016; 51:368-72. [PMID: 27020318 PMCID: PMC5154762 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nationally, a greater proportion of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are diagnosed with advanced-stage cancers compared with non-Hispanic whites. The reasons for observed differences in stage at diagnosis between AI/ANs and non-Hispanic whites remain unclear. METHODS Medicaid, Indian Health Service Care Systems, and state cancer registry data for California, Oregon, and Washington (2001-2008, analyzed in 2014-2015) were linked to identify AI/ANs and non-Hispanic whites diagnosed with invasive breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer. Logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for distant disease versus local or regional disease, in AI/ANs compared with non-Hispanic white case patients. RESULTS A similar proportion of AI/AN (31.2%) and non-Hispanic white (35.5%) patients were diagnosed with distant-stage cancer in this population (AOR=1.03, 95% CI=0.88, 1.20). No significant differences in stage at diagnosis were found for any individual cancer site. Among AI/ANs, Indian Health Service Care Systems eligibility was not associated with stage at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the general population of the U.S., among Medicaid enrollees, AI/AN race is not associated with later stage at diagnosis. Cancer survival disparities associated with AI/AN race that have been observed in the broader population may be driven by factors associated with income and health insurance that are also associated with race, as income and insurance status are more homogenous within the Medicaid population than within the broader population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott V Adams
- Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Andrea N Burnett-Hartman
- Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, Denver, Colorado
| | - Andrew Karnopp
- Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Aasthaa Bansal
- Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stacey A Cohen
- Division of Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Scott D Ramsey
- Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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