Understanding Disparities in Breast Cancer Care in Memphis, Tennessee

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Disparities Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Despite advancements, significant racial disparities persist in breast cancer survival.
• Existing research indicates inequities in breast cancer care across racial and ethnic groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify racial disparities in breast cancer recurrence and mortality in Memphis.
• To examine the impact of clinical stage and treatment timeliness on outcomes for Black versus white patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of breast cancer patients diagnosed between 2002-2012 from the Memphis tumor registry.
• Statistical adjustment for clinical stage, age, and biomarker status (ER, PR, HER2) to compare recurrence and mortality rates.
• Evaluation of time from diagnosis to surgery across racial groups.

Main Results:

• Black patients were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer (II-IV) compared to white patients.
• Black breast cancer patients exhibited double the odds of recurrence and 1.5 times higher mortality, even after adjusting for key clinical factors.
• Black women experienced statistically significant delays in receiving surgery for stages 0-III breast cancer compared to white women.

Conclusions:

• Racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes, including recurrence and mortality, are evident in Memphis.
• Delays in diagnosis and treatment timeliness contribute to poorer outcomes for Black breast cancer patients.
• Targeted interventions are crucial to address and reduce these inequities in breast cancer care.