Study Uncovers Inequalities in Cancer Care at Minority Hospitals

Study Uncovers Inequalities in Cancer Care at Minority Hospitals

Study Finds Significant Disparities in Cancer Treatment at Minority Serving Hospitals

Introduction

Providing high-quality care to all patients, regardless of race or ethnicity, should be a top priority of US hospitals. However, new research published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, reveals significant disparities in the delivery of cancer-related care at minority serving hospitals (MSHs) compared with non-MSHs. The findings highlight the need for targeted improvements and additional funding to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes.

The Study

The study’s investigators analyzed information from the National Cancer Database between 2010 and 2019 to identify patients eligible for definitive treatment for breast, prostate, non-small cell lung, and colon cancers. Definitive treatment was defined as surgery for breast and colon cancer; surgery, radiation, or ablation for prostate cancer; and surgery or radiation for non-small cell lung cancer. Of approximately 2.9 million patients who received care at 1,330 hospitals, 9.3% were treated at MSHs.

Disparities in Cancer Treatment

Among patients with breast cancer, those treated at MSHs were 17% less likely to receive definitive cancer treatment. For prostate, lung, and colon cancer, those treated at MSHs were 31%, 27%, and 19% less likely to receive definitive treatment respectively. These disparities persisted even after accounting for various sociodemographic and clinical factors.

The Impact of Enhanced Care at MSHs

The study’s authors calculated that if efforts successfully improved treatment rates at MSHs to match those at non-MSHs, 5,719 additional patients would receive definitive cancer treatment over 10 years. Providing additional funding and targeted improvements to hospitals without adequate resources may be important steps towards reaching this goal and could help to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes.

Importance of Improving Services at MSHs

Access to care is a significant factor contributing to racial differences in cancer mortality, alongside biological differences. Therefore, improving services at hospitals that primarily serve minority populations could be a crucial part of a wider effort to achieve healthcare equity.

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Conclusion

Reducing disparities in cancer treatment across all US hospitals is critical to improving cancer outcomes for all patients. By recognizing and addressing disparities in care delivery at MSHs, healthcare providers can take a significant step towards achieving healthcare equity for all.

Originally Post From https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240603/Study-reveals-disparities-in-the-delivery-of-cancer-related-care-at-minority-serving-hospitals.aspx

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