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Disparities in Comorbidities in Lung Cancer: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Lee Ann Johnson1, Patrick Briley, Linda P Bolin
1Author Affiliations: University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia (Dr Johnson); Department of Communications Sciences & Disorders (Dr Briley), College of Nursing (Dr Bolin), and College of Allied Health Sciences and Center for Health Disparities (Dr Ellis), East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina; and The Pennsylvania State University College of Nursing, University Park, Pennsylvania (Dr Kitko).
In lung cancer patients, sex and race influence comorbidity profiles. Men with lung cancer show higher rates of heart attack and diabetes, while Black individuals have increased stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sex and race are known predictors of comorbidities and survival in lung cancer patients.
- Understanding how comorbidity profiles differ across sex and race is crucial for personalized cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare comorbidity differences between men and women, and between Black and White individuals diagnosed with lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
- Utilized descriptive statistics, chi-squared test of independence, and multiple logistic regression to analyze sociodemographics and comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Among 594 lung cancer patients, men had higher odds of heart attack (OR, 3.59) and diabetes (OR, 2.83), and lower odds of depressive disorder (OR, 0.360).
- Black men (OR, 28.57) and women (OR, 2.48) exhibited significantly higher odds of a stroke history compared to other groups.
Conclusions:
- Distinct patterns of comorbidities exist among individuals with lung cancer based on sex and race.
- Future research should explore social determinants of health to understand their influence on comorbidity patterns in personalized cancer care.
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