09 Jan Late Stage Breast Cancer Detection in Minorities Linked to Lack of Insurance

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Ko

Naomi Y Ko, MD
Director, Inpatient Medical Operations
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine
Boston University School of Medicine

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: The background for this study is to help understand the association between risk of more advanced cancer in racial minorities and insurance.  

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: The main findings suggest that up to half of advanced stage breast cancer in racial ethnic minority patients may be attributed to a lack of insurance coverage.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Insurance can play a large role in how cancer is diagnosed, and this could be one substantial reason we see some racial and ethnic minority populations have worse prognosis and outcomes from cancer. We would like to emphasize that modifiable risk factors for disparities in cancer outcomes for at-risk vulnerable populations need to be addressed. 

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Future research should continue to examine the direct and indirect costs of inadequate health insurance to patients of all racial/ethnic backgrounds, their families and society as a whole.

Citations:

Ko NY, Hong S, Winn RA, Calip GS. Association of Insurance Status and Racial Disparities With the Detection of Early-Stage Breast Cancer. JAMA Oncol. Published online January 09, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.5672

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Last Updated on January 9, 2020 by Marie Benz MD FAAD