Researcher(s)
- Julia Querey, Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Scott Siegel, Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Christiana Care
- Percy Guzman Montero, Cancer Control & Population Sciences, Christiana Care
Abstract
Background
Previous research has identified that while breast cancer (BC) incidence rates are similar in Black and White women, Black women experience a 40% higher mortality rate, much of which is attributed to the triple-negative BC subtype. Additionally, Black women experience more delays, specifically in treatment initiation than White women. Limiting delays in treatment can improve survival outcomes and assist in the reduction of existent racial disparities. The present study aims to evaluate delays in BC care at Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute (HFGCCRI) across racial groups.
Methods
A retrospective review of BC patients (N = 445) from ChristianaCare’s HFGCCRI Cancer Registry in 2019 was conducted. Electronic health record and registry data were abstracted which included patient demographics and clinical histories. Two subgroups based on days between initial abnormal imaging and surgery (no delay= <60 days, delay= ≥60 days) were compared using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results
The time between initial imaging and diagnostic procedure, diagnostic procedure and diagnostic report, and diagnostic report and surgery was 11 days, 10 days, and 70 days respectively. A significantly lower percentage of White patients, 23%, compared to Black patients (40%) experienced delays in the BC care continuum (26.56 days, p = 0.01).
Discussion
Preliminary findings indicate that Black patients experienced delays in the BC care continuum more than White patients, highlighting a potential racial disparity during the detection, diagnostic, and treatment interval of the cancer continuum, similar to previous research in other states. Further investigation into BC delays should include additional data abstraction across multiple years of care to understand, and to evaluate both institutional and external barriers that may be causing delays in care.