Inequities in Palliative Care Provision for Black Patients with Hematologic Cancers

Strategic Insights -

Cancer patients, especially those with hematologic malignancies, face significant challenges in receiving palliative care, a crucial aspect of symptom management and quality of life improvement. A recent review by researchers at Duke University highlights the underutilization of palliative care among Black patients with these cancers, who experience higher symptom burdens and lower survival rates compared to their White counterparts. The review aimed to identify the known knowledge about palliative care use among Black patients with hematologic malignancies in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The review included seven publications that used quantitative methods and data from large national databases, such as the National Cancer Database.
  • Four of the studies reported that Black patients with hematologic malignancies were less likely to receive or use palliative care compared to White patients.
  • Access to palliative care was associated with better outcomes, including lower hospital charges and a reduced likelihood of dying within 30 days of initiating palliative radiotherapy.
  • The scoping review highlights ongoing inequities in palliative care use among Black patients with hematologic malignancies, mirroring trends in patients with solid cancers.
  • Future studies should be conducted to understand the determinants of these disparities and to develop testable interventions to improve palliative care use within this underserved population.

Statistics:

  • Seven publications were included in the final sample of the review.
  • Four studies reported that Black patients with hematologic malignancies were less likely to receive or use palliative care compared to White patients.
  • Access to palliative care was associated with lower hospital charges.
  • The study found a reduced likelihood of dying within 30 days of initiating palliative radiotherapy.

Sources:

  • Exploring the Landscape of Palliative Care Provision for Black Patients With Hematologic Cancers: a Scoping Review. @ Palliative and Supportive Care, 2025;23.
  • Cambridge University Press. Edinburgh Bldg, Shaftesbury Rd, CB2 8RU Cambridge, England. (Cambridge University Press - www.cambridge.org; Palliative and Supportive Care - journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=PAX)
  • Osborn Owusu Ansah, Duke University, School of Nursing, Durham, NC 27708, United States
  • Sophia K. Smith, Silas Selorm Daniels-Donkor, Leila Ledbetter, and Matthew Leblanc (Additional authors)