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Race influences care for patients with ovarian cancer, study finds
Non-Hispanic Black patients are less likely to receive guideline-adherent treatment for ovarian cancer than non-Hispanic White patients, significantly affecting their quality of care and chances of survival. The study, which appeared online in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, was led by Duke Health researchers Mary Katherine Montes De Oca, M.D., assistant professor in Duke's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Tomi Akinyemiju, Ph.D., in the Department of Population Health Sciences. Researchers focused on whether there were racial differences in guideline use among women with ovarian cancer. The guidelines set standards of care, such as performing surgery to assess...
Race influences care for patients with ovarian cancer, study finds
Non-Hispanic Black patients are less likely to receive guideline-adherent treatment for ovarian cancer than non-Hispanic White patients, significantly affecting their quality of care and chances of survival.
The study, which appeared online in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, was led by Duke Health researchers Mary Katherine Montes De Oca, M.D., assistant professor in Duke's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Tomi Akinyemiju, Ph.D., in the Department of Population Health Sciences.
Researchers focused on whether there were racial differences in guideline use among women with ovarian cancer. The guidelines set standards of care, such as performing surgery to assess the stage of cancer or administering the appropriate number of cycles of chemotherapy.
More than 6,600 Medicare patients with ovarian cancer were analyzed from a database. Of these, 23.8% of white patients received guideline-based surgery and chemotherapy compared to 14.2% of black patients.
The racial disparities in treatment persisted even after accounting for patients' ability to pay, the distance they had to travel for treatment, and the availability of specialists or cancer centers near them.
While less “When a third of all patients have received high-quality treatment for ovarian cancer, the racial disparity is striking and extremely concerning.”
Tomi Akinyemiju, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Population Health Sciences
She pointed to the legacy of structural racism — particularly the lack of access to jobs that include quality health care services and housing patterns with limited access to health care resources in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
The researchers said the study reinforces previous findings that patients with ovarian cancer have worse outcomes when they do not receive guideline-based treatment.
“It is important to ensure that oncologists approach each patient with an open mind,” said Montes De Oca. "The Guidelines provide a standard by which all providers, regardless of region and regardless of patient race and/or ethnicity, should treat cancer patients. Additional funding, training and resources are needed in underserved areas to ensure that these Guidelines are put into practice."
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