Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: November 17, 2023

Racial Discrimination in Cancer Care Has Long-Term Impact on Patients, Study Shows

A recent analysis in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute identified a pattern of racial discrimination affecting Black patients with cancer. The study involved interviews with 18 Black cancer survivors, revealing widespread experiences of discrimination in seeking care. Instances ranged from interactions with health care staff to insurance administrators, often manifesting through racial stereotypes and verbal insults. Such encounters led to negative emotions, reduced trust in the health care system, and limited decision-making options.

Study Reveals Factors That Further Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk for Adults With T2D

Research published in JAMA Network Open revealed a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in adults with diabetes compared with those without diabetes. The study, focusing on under-researched populations with low socioeconomic status and African American race, showed diabetes was associated with a 47% increased CRC risk. Stronger links were observed in participants with a recent diabetes diagnosis and were consistent regardless of adjustments for body mass index.

Study Reveals Racial Disparities in Immune Tolerance Induction Treatment for Hemophilia

An investigation published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis revealed disparities in immune tolerance induction (ITI) treatment for hemophilia patients with inhibitors, particularly concerning racial and ethnic factors. The study found that Black and Hispanic participants were statistically less likely to receive ITI compared with White participants, even after adjusting for clinical factors emphasizing the need for further research into the specific factors contributing to these racial disparities.

Individuals From Minority Ethnic Backgrounds Had Poor Adherence to Nonsurgical Interventions for COPD

A review published in ERJ Open Research revealed that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from minority ethnic backgrounds tend to exhibit lower adherence rates to nonsurgical interventions. Findings demonstrated Black and Hispanic individuals in the United States were less likely to adhere to COPD medication, with similar trends in smoking cessation and flu vaccination. Pulmonary rehabilitation adherence was highest in non-Hispanic White patients in the United States, while studies in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand showed varied results.