Explaining Black-White Differences in Receipt of Recommended Colon Cancer Treatment

Date
2005
Journal
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Description

Black-white disparities exist in receipt of recommended medical care, including colorectal cancer treatment. This retrospective cohort study examines the degree to which health systems (e.g., physician, hospital) factors explain black-white disparities in colon cancer care. Black and white Medicare-insured colon cancer patients have an equal opportunity to learn about adjuvant chemotherapy from a medical oncologist but do not receive chemotherapy equally. Little disparity was explained by health systems; more was explained by illness severity, social support, and environment. Further qualitative research is needed to understand the factors that influence the lower receipt of chemotherapy by black patients.

Center
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Authors
Laura-Mae Baldwin, Sharon Dobie, Kevin Billingsley, Yong Cai, George Wright, Jason Dominitz, William Barlow, Joan Warren, Stephen Taplin