15 Nov Insurance Coverage, Tumor Types Linked to Black-White Survival Disparity Among Younger Colorectal Cancer Patients

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Sineshaw

Helmneh M. Sineshaw, MD, MPH
American Cancer Society
Atlanta, GA 30303

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

Response: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United Sates. Although overall CRC incidence and mortality rates are decreasing in the United States, rates are increasing in the younger population. Notwithstanding these patterns, CRC incidence and mortality rates continue to be higher in blacks than in whites. Although black-white survival disparity among patients with colorectal cancer is well documented in the literature and multiple factors have been proposed as potential contributors, the contributions of differences in demographic characteristics, insurance type, comorbidity, tumor presentation, and treatment receipt to the racial disparity in survival among nonelderly CRC patients are unknown.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: Insurance coverage differences accounted for approximately one-half of the disparity in survival rate between black vs white patients with colorectal cancer in 18–64 years old, whereas tumor characteristics accounted for a quarter of the disparity.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response: Clinicians and patients should be informed that there is remarkable black-white survival disparity among nonelderly colorectal cancer patients and availability of equitable health insurance coverage could substantially reduce the disparity. They should also be strong advocates for availability of affordable health insurance coverage to all populations.

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

Response: Future research should explore the biological mechanisms for the differences in tumor characteristics and implications for treatment.

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

Response: As the healthcare debate continues, our findings reinforce the importance of equitable access to care to mitigate the survival disparity between black and white nonelderly colorectal cancer patients. 

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Factors That Contribute to Differences in Survival of Black vs White Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Sineshaw, Helmneh M. et al.
Gastroenterology , Volume 0 , Issue 0 ,
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2017.11.005

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on November 15, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD