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Racial differences in survival from gynecologic cancer
M A Morgan1, K Behbakht, I Benjamin
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
African-American patients with gynecologic cancer had worse overall survival compared to white patients. This disparity is linked to socioeconomic status and diagnosis stage, not race itself.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Gynecologic cancers affect diverse populations, with potential survival differences based on race and socioeconomic factors.
- Inner-city hospitals serve vulnerable populations, necessitating research into cancer outcomes within these settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate survival disparities in gynecologic cancer between African-American and white patients at an inner-city hospital.
- To identify factors contributing to any observed differences in cancer survival.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 538 patients (cervical, uterine, ovarian cancer) from 1989-1993.
- Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models.
- Insurance status used as a proxy for socioeconomic status.
Main Results:
- African-American patients had worse overall survival, were older, and more likely to have cervical cancer and public insurance.
- Stage-for-stage and insurance status did not significantly alter survival differences.
- Multivariate analysis identified stage and insurance coverage as key predictors of survival.
Conclusions:
- African-American patients with gynecologic cancer experienced poorer overall survival.
- Disparities in survival are primarily attributed to socioeconomic status and stage at diagnosis, rather than race alone.