Tag

Disparities

All articles tagged with #disparities

US Cancer Care Delays Surged by Over 10 Days, Study Finds
health8 days ago

US Cancer Care Delays Surged by Over 10 Days, Study Finds

A JAMA Surgery study using National Cancer Database data on more than 2.7 million U.S. patients (2012–2023) found median times from cancer diagnosis to first treatment rose by more than 10 days across six common cancers, with stomach and lung cancers showing the largest increases (e.g., 35→49 days and 41→53 days). A growing share of patients waited 60 days or longer, and delays persisted after adjusting for age and health, disproportionately affecting Black patients, Medicaid recipients, those in lower‑income areas, travelers, and care at academic/high‑volume centers. While the exact causes aren’t clear, prior work ties surgical delays to higher mortality, underscoring the need for capacity and coordination as cancer care regionalizes.

Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Screening Surges, but Gaps Persist Across Demographics
health1 month ago

Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Screening Surges, but Gaps Persist Across Demographics

At DDW 2026, three studies show a rise in colorectal cancer among adults under 50 and increased screening since lowering the starting age to 45, but gains are uneven by income, race, and gender. Kaiser Permanente’s mailed FIT-kit program boosted up-to-date screening to about 50% by 2025, while a UT Health study found a 14.5% precancerous-polyp rate in 18–44-year-olds that rises with age and is higher in men, smokers, and those with obesity, with notable racial disparities. The takeaway: expand targeted outreach to Hispanic communities, lower-income groups, and younger men, and leverage texting/AI-based messaging to boost participation.

Pre-Waitlist Barriers Block Half of Kidney Transplant Candidates
health-and-medicine1 month ago

Pre-Waitlist Barriers Block Half of Kidney Transplant Candidates

A nationwide NYU Langone Health study found that 48% of people referred for kidney transplantation never start the required evaluation, and only 19% reach the waitlist. Factors such as being unmarried, obesity, living in rural areas, older age, language barriers (Spanish speakers), and lower income, along with the transplant center and region, significantly influence progression, highlighting large barriers before waitlisting.

Beyond smoking: debunking lung cancer myths and the case for broader screening
health3 months ago

Beyond smoking: debunking lung cancer myths and the case for broader screening

Lung cancer is not solely a smoker’s disease, with up to a quarter of cases occurring in never-smokers and risk shaped by environment, genetics, and race. While low-dose CT screening can reduce mortality, current guidelines tied to a 20-pack-year history miss many at risk, prompting NCCN and ACS to broaden criteria and programs like INSPIRE to reach more Black patients and others outside traditional thresholds. New AI tools (e.g., Sybil) show potential to predict cancer risk from a single CT and personalize screening intervals, signaling a shift toward risk-based, more inclusive screening and earlier detection to reduce disparities.

Hypertension Deaths Quadruple Among Young U.S. Women, Study Finds
health5 months ago

Hypertension Deaths Quadruple Among Young U.S. Women, Study Finds

A study to be presented at the ACC Scientific Session finds deaths from hypertensive heart disease surged fourfold among U.S. women aged 25–44 from 1999 to 2023 (roughly 29,000 deaths). Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rates, and the South saw the highest regional death rate, with no rural–urban difference detected. Experts urge more aggressive screening and prevention, including lifestyle changes and potential antihypertensive treatment for this demographic.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Detection: Key Insights for 2025
health10 months ago

Breast Cancer Awareness and Detection: Key Insights for 2025

Since 1985, breast cancer awareness initiatives have saved over 517,000 lives through improved screening and treatment, with significant progress in survival rates and technology, though disparities remain among different racial groups. The movement has grown globally, emphasizing early detection and personalized care, but ongoing efforts are needed to address health disparities and continue advancements.

Study Reveals High Rates of Mistreatment During Childbirth in the US
health2 years ago

Study Reveals High Rates of Mistreatment During Childbirth in the US

A new study funded by Columbia University found that over 13% of new mothers experienced mistreatment by healthcare clinicians during childbirth in 2020, with the most common complaints being ignored or shouted at. The study revealed that mistreatment rates varied widely by factors such as race, ethnicity, marital status, insurance, and medical history, with the highest rates reported among certain demographic groups. The study, published in the JAMA Network Open medical journal, highlighted disparities in mistreatment during childbirth and noted limitations in its findings.

"WHO Report: Global Cancer Cases to Surge 77% by 2050 Despite Declining Deaths"
health2 years ago

"WHO Report: Global Cancer Cases to Surge 77% by 2050 Despite Declining Deaths"

The World Health Organization estimates that global cancer cases will increase by 77% by 2050, reaching 35 million diagnoses, with lung cancer being the most common form. Inequities in cancer burden and access to care were highlighted, with factors such as obesity, tobacco use, and environmental factors driving the expected increases. In the US, cancer deaths have declined due to factors like reduced tobacco use, but racial disparities persist, and cancer patients are becoming younger. Efforts to address these challenges include President Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative and calls for global investments to improve cancer care and outcomes.

WHO projects 77% surge in global cancer cases by 2050
health2 years ago

WHO projects 77% surge in global cancer cases by 2050

A new report from the World Health Organization estimates that global cancer cases will jump 77% by 2050, reaching 35 million diagnoses. Inequities in cancer burden and access to care were highlighted, with factors such as obesity, tobacco use, and environmental factors driving the expected increases in cancer rates. While cancer deaths in the US have declined, racial disparities persist, and cancer patients are becoming younger. Efforts such as President Biden's Cancer Moonshot aim to address these challenges and reduce cancer deaths.

"Unequal Hope: Assessing the Cost and Effectiveness of New Alzheimer's Treatments"
health2 years ago

"Unequal Hope: Assessing the Cost and Effectiveness of New Alzheimer's Treatments"

New Alzheimer’s drugs like Leqembi and donanemab offer hope for patients, but there is concern about the lack of data on how these medications might work in people of color, particularly African Americans. Low enrollment of Black patients in clinical trials raises questions about the drugs' effectiveness and safety for this population. Experts emphasize the need for more diversity in trials and urge the development of treatments targeting multiple potential drivers of cognitive decline to address disparities in Alzheimer’s treatment and care.

"Orlando's HIV Rates Surge Above National Average"
health2 years ago

"Orlando's HIV Rates Surge Above National Average"

Orlando continues to have high rates of HIV diagnoses, surpassing both the state and national averages. In 2021, 618 people in metro Orlando were diagnosed with HIV, bringing the total number of HIV-diagnosed individuals in the area to 14,298. The majority of new diagnoses were among Black or Hispanic individuals, primarily in Orange County, and were attributed to unprotected sex or injection drug use. Despite the availability of free testing and treatment resources, socioeconomic disparities and stigma contribute to a lack of access to care and low viral suppression rates. Efforts are being made to address these issues through targeted outreach and education in communities of color.

Improving Lung Cancer Survival Rates Highlight Racial Inequality and Low Screening Rates
health2 years ago

Improving Lung Cancer Survival Rates Highlight Racial Inequality and Low Screening Rates

Lung cancer survival rates have increased in the past five years, but racial disparities persist, with Black and Latino communities experiencing lower survival rates compared to White individuals. The American Lung Association's "State of Lung Cancer" report emphasizes the need for improved messaging about lung cancer screening, as it remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Factors contributing to the overall improvement in survival rates include targeted immunotherapies and increased access to screenings. However, stigma, low screening rates, and limited health insurance coverage hinder progress. Smoking rates, radon, air pollution, and secondhand smoke are identified as risk factors, and public health messaging about lung cancer needs to change to address misconceptions.

Addressing the HIV Prevention Gap in Metro Atlanta and Beyond
health2 years ago

Addressing the HIV Prevention Gap in Metro Atlanta and Beyond

Metro Atlanta has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, with cases rising since the pandemic began. Health officials are working to decrease new HIV cases by promoting sexual health and wellness, expanding access to testing and resources, and providing preventative measures like PrEP. Disproportionately impacting certain demographics, particularly Black and brown communities, knowledge and access to resources are crucial in fighting these numbers. Testing is emphasized as crucial, and testing will be available at major pride events happening in Atlanta this weekend.