Racial Disparities in Radiation Therapy for Black Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer

Strategic Insights -

A study published in Cancer revealed that black women are less likely than white women to receive radiation therapy after a lumpectomy, a standard treatment for early stage breast cancer. The study, conducted by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, examined Medicare records of over 37,000 patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2003. The researchers found that 74% of white women received radiation therapy after lumpectomy, compared to 65% of black women.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that black women are 9% less likely to receive radiation therapy after lumpectomy than white women.
  • The study analyzed Medicare records of over 37,000 patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2003.
  • The researchers found that the disparity in radiation therapy rates existed across the country, with the largest disparities found in the Pacific West, East South Central, and Northeast regions.
  • In some areas, such as the Mountain West and North Central Midwest regions, there was virtually no disparity in radiation therapy rates between white and black women.
  • The study's authors suggested that future research should investigate the underlying reasons for the disparity, including healthcare provider factors, patient preferences, and socioeconomic factors.
  • The study's senior author, Thomas Buchholz, M.D., noted that the standard of care for women with invasive breast cancer is to receive radiation after lumpectomy, which reduces the chance of recurrence and improves survival rates.

Statistics:

  • 74% of white women received radiation therapy after lumpectomy, compared to 65% of black women.
  • 9% fewer black women received radiation therapy after lumpectomy than white women.
  • 72% of white women in the Pacific West received radiation therapy, compared to 55% of black women.
  • 70% of white women in the Northeast received radiation therapy, compared to 58% of black women.
  • The study analyzed Medicare records of 37,305 patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2003.

Sources:

  • Smith, G. L., et al. "Racial disparities in radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery for early-stage breast cancer." Cancer 116.10 (2010): 2425-2435.
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Breast Cancer Symposium 2008.
  • NewsRx Health: "Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Treatment" (2010)