A qualitative feasibility study of a prototype patient-centered video intervention to increase uptake of cancer genetic testing among Black Americans.

BACKGROUND: Health advances due to developments in genomic medicine are unequally experienced in the USA; racial differences in the uptake of genetic testing are one factor in this disparity. In collaboration with Black patients and diverse health care providers, we are developing a patient-centered video intervention to increase cancer genetic testing among eligible Black Americans. The objective of the pilot work is to explore the acceptability of and support for the intervention and key content components. METHODS: In order to create a patient-centered video intervention prototype, we conducted a targeted, secondary analysis of 47 coded transcripts from video-taped qualitative interviews with people with a known genetic or inherited cancer risk. The review focused on decision-making, testing experiences, and perceived value of genetic testing. We subsequently generated a 15-min video montage of content from 9 diverse (age, gender, race) participants. We used the prototype video as prompt material for semi-structured interviews with 10 Black patients who had undergone genetic testing in the last 2 years and 10 racially diverse providers (genetic counselors, a nurse, and medical oncologists) who provide management recommendations for high-risk patients. Interviews sought to understand the acceptability of a video intervention to enhance informed decision-making by Black patients and key elements for intervention efficacy. RESULTS: Study participants were generally positive about the prototype video and provided guidance for intervention development. Interviewed patients prioritized perceived authenticity and relatability of video participants. The presentation of patients' perspectives on testing, their experiences of testing, and the benefits of having test results were all seen as useful. The benefits of testing for self and family were identified as important considerations. Privacy concerns and science skepticism were identified as germane issues, with guidance to present barriers to testing alongside possible solutions. The inclusion of clinicians was seen as potentially useful but with caution that clinicians are not universally trusted. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings provided critical input for the creation of a professionally produced, tailored intervention video for a randomized clinical trial with Black Americans to evaluate the influence on uptake of genetic testing. The interviews suggest the acceptability and potential utility of an authentic, realistic, and tailored, patient-centered video intervention to increase consideration and uptake of genetic testing.

Associations between race/ethnicity and SEER-CAHPS patient care experiences among female Medicare beneficiaries with breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine if racial/ethnic disparities exist in survivorship care patient experiences among older breast cancer survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen thousand seventeen female breast cancer survivors aged ≥65 at post-diagnosis survey contributed data via the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems (CAHPS) data linkage (2000-2019). Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted beta (ß) coefficients and standard error (SE) estimates for associations between race/ethnicity and survivorship care patient experiences. RESULTS: Most women were non-Hispanic (NH)-White (78.1%; NH-Black [8.1%], NH-Asian [6.5%], Hispanic [6.2%]). On average, women reported 76.3 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.14) at CAHPS survey and 6.10 years since primary diagnosis (SD = 3.51). Compared with NH-White survivors, NH-Black survivors reported lower mean scores for Getting Care Quickly (ß = -5.17, SE = 0.69, p ≤0.001), Getting Needed Care (ß = -1.72, SE = 0.63, p = 0.006), and Overall Care Ratings (ß = -2.72, SE = 0.48, p ≤0.001), mirroring the results for NH-Asian survivors (Getting Care Quickly [ß = -7.06, SE = 0.77, p ≤0.001], Getting Needed Care [ß = -4.43, SE = 0.70, p ≤0.001], Physician Communication [ß = -1.15, SE = 0.54, p = 0.03], Overall Care Rating [ß = -2.32, SE = 0.53, p ≤0.001]). Findings among Hispanic survivors varied, where mean scores were lower for Getting Care Quickly (ß = -2.83, SE = 0.79, p ≤0.001), Getting Needed Care (ß = -2.43, SE = 0.70, p = 0.001), and Getting Needed Prescription Drug(s) (ß = -1.47, SE = 0.64, p = 0.02), but were higher for Health Plan Rating (ß = 2.66, SE = 0.55, p ≤0.001). Education, Medicare plan, and multimorbidity significantly modified various associations among NH-Black survivors, and education was a significant modifier among NH-Asian and Hispanic survivors. DISCUSSION: We observed racial/ethnic disparities in the associations with survivorship care patient experience among NH-Black, Hispanic, and NH-Asian breast cancer survivors. Future research should examine the impact of education, Medicare plans, and multimorbidity on these associations.

Disparities in Timeliness of Endometrial Cancer Care: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: We use the person-centered Pathway to Treatment framework to assess the scope of evidence on disparities in endometrial cancer stage at diagnosis. This report is intended to facilitate interventions, research, and advocacy that reduce disparities. DATA SOURCES: We completed a structured search of electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Included studies were published between January 2000 and 2023 and addressed marginalized population(s) in the United States with the ability to develop endometrial cancer and addressed variable(s) outlined in the Pathway to Treatment. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Our database search strategy was designed for sensitivity to identify studies on disparate prolongation of the Pathway to Treatment for endometrial cancer, tallying 2,171. Inclusion criteria were broad, yet only 24 studies addressed this issue. All articles were independently screened by two reviewers. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included: 10 on symptom appraisal, five on help seeking, five on diagnosis, and 10 on pretreatment intervals. Quality rankings were heterogeneous, between 3 and 9 (median 7.2) per the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We identified three qualitative, two participatory, and two intervention studies. Studies on help seeking predominantly investigate patient-driven delays. When disease factors were controlled for, delays of the pretreatment interval were independently associated with racism toward Black and Hispanic people, less education, lower socioeconomic status, and nonprivate insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence gaps on disparities in timeliness of endometrial cancer care reveal emphasis of patient-driven help-seeking delays, reliance on health care-derived databases, underutilization of participatory methods, and a paucity of intervention studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Given that PROSPERO was not accepting systematic scoping review protocols at the time this study began, this study protocol was shared a priori through Open Science Framework on January 13, 2021 (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/V2ZXY), and through peer review publication on April 13, 2021 (doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01649-x).

Evaluation of disparities in perceived healthcare discrimination among BRCA1/2-positive women from medically underserved populations.

The current study evaluated associations between disparities relating to race/ethnicity, poverty status, educational status, and odds of experiencing healthcare discrimination among women with BRCA1/2 mutations. We conducted a cross-sectional study of United States (US)-based women (18+ years) who have tested positive for BRCA1/2 mutations within the past 5 years and who identify with one or more medically underserved populations. 211 women were recruited from BRCA1/2-oriented support groups and completed an online survey. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models for associations between race/ethnicity, poverty status, education, and perceived healthcare discrimination adjusting for covariates. 182 women were included (31.3 percent were cancer survivors). Most were NHW (67.2 percent) and younger than 50 years (83.2 percent). Racial/ethnic minorities were 2.6 times more likely to report receiving poorer service than NHW women (95 percent CI, 1.26-5.33, p = .01). Associations with poverty status, education, and healthcare discrimination outcomes were not statistically significant. Improving patient-provider interactions that can contribute to medical mistrust should become a priority for the care of high-risk US minority women with BRCA1/2 mutations.

Differences in survivorship care experiences among older breast cancer survivors by clinical cancer characteristics, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors: A SEER-CAHPS study.

PURPOSE: To determine if disparities exist in survivorship care experiences among older breast cancer survivors by breast cancer characteristics, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: A total of 19,017 female breast cancer survivors (≥ 65 at post-diagnosis survey) contributed data via SEER-CAHPS data linkage (2000-2019). Analyses included overall and stratified multivariable linear regression to estimate beta (ß) coefficients and standard errors (SE) to identify relationships between clinical cancer characteristics and survivorship care experiences. RESULTS: Minority survivors were mostly non-Hispanic (NH)-Black (8.1%) or NH-Asian (6.5%). Survivors were 76.3 years (SD = 7.14) at CAHPS survey and were 6.10 years (SD = 3.51) post-diagnosis on average. Survivors with regional breast cancer vs. localized at diagnosis (ß = 1.00, SE = 0.46, p = 0.03) or treated with chemotherapy vs. no chemotherapy/unknown (ß = 1.05, SE = 0.48, p = 0.03) reported higher mean scores for Getting Needed Care. Results were similar for Overall Care Ratings (ß = 0.87, SE = 0.38, p = 0.02) among women treated with chemotherapy. Conversely, women diagnosed with distant breast cancer vs. localized reported lower mean scores for Physician Communication (ß = - 1.94, SE = 0.92, p = 0.03). Race/ethnicity, education, and area-level poverty significantly modified several associations between stage, estrogen receptor status, treatments, and various CAHPS outcomes. CONCLUSION: These study findings can be used to inform survivorship care providers treating women diagnosed with more advanced stage and aggressive disease. The disparities we observed among minority groups and by socioeconomic status should be further evaluated in future research as these interactions could impact long-term outcomes, including survival.

Lifestyle factors in Black female breast cancer survivors-Descriptive results from an online pilot study.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) research examining disparities in cancer survivorship and modifiable risk behaviors has been mostly cancer-specific, leaving relevant gaps in disparities research relating to other cancer survivorship outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors is a critical component of successful cancer survivorship, where unhealthy behaviors may increase the risk for recurrence, second primary cancers, and incidence of new comorbid conditions, including CVD. The current study describes BC survivorship factors among an online pilot study of Black BC survivors in Maryland, with a focus on the burden of obesity, comorbidity, and behavioral factors associated with CVD risk. Methods: Utilizing social media recruitment strategies and survivor networks, we recruited 100 Black female BC survivors to complete an online survey. Descriptive characteristics (demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors) were analyzed in terms of frequencies, means, standard deviations (SD) overall and by county. Results: The average ages at time of survey and at primary BC diagnosis were 58.6 years (SD = 10.1) and 49.1 years (SD = 10.2), respectively. More than half of the survivors reported having hypertension (51%); and while only 7% reported being obese at the time of BC diagnosis, 54% reported being obese at the time of survey which was on average 9 years post BC diagnosis. Only 28% of the survivors reported meeting weekly exercise recommendations. While 70% were never smokers, most ever smokers resided in Baltimore City/Baltimore County (n = 18 ever smokers). Conclusion: Our pilot study identified at-risk BC survivors in Maryland due to the high prevalence of CVD risk factors (hypertension, obesity, limited exercise). These pilot study methods will inform a future statewide multilevel prospective study to improve health behaviors among Black BC survivors.

Treatment-related side effects among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white long-term breast cancer survivors by tamoxifen use and duration.

PURPOSE: To determine the associations between ethnicity, age at diagnosis, obesity, multimorbidity, and odds of experiencing breast cancer (BC) treatment-related side effects among long-term Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) survivors from New Mexico and explore differences by tamoxifen use. METHODS: Lifestyle and clinical information including self-reported tamoxifen use and presence of treatment- related side effects were collected at follow-up interviews (12-15 years) for 194 BC survivors. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations between predictors and odds of experiencing side effects overall and by tamoxifen use. RESULTS: Women ranged in age at diagnosis (30-74, M = 49.3, SD = 9.37), most were NHW (65.4%) and had in-situ or localized BC (63.4%). Less than half reportedly used tamoxifen (44.3%), of which 59.3% reported using > 5 years. Overall, survivors who were overweight/obese at follow-up were 5.42 times more likely to experience treatment-related pain (95% CI 1.40-21.0) compared to normal weight survivors. Survivors with multimorbidity, compared to survivors without, were more likely to report treatment-related sexual health issues (aOR 6.90, 95% CI 1.43-33.2) and poorer mental health (aOR 4.51, 95% CI 1.06-19.1). The statistical interactions between ethnicity and overweight/obese with tamoxifen use were significant (p-interaction < 0.05) for treatment-related sexual health issues. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that survivors with overweightness/obesity or multimorbidity may be more likely to experience BC treatment-related side effects. Tamoxifen use modifies associations between ethnicity, being overweight/obese, and sexual health issues following treatment. The likelihood of experiencing treatment-related side effects were more favorable for those on tamoxifen or those who had used tamoxifen for longer durations. These findings highlight the importance of fostering side effect awareness and applying appropriate interventions to assist with disease management throughout BC survivorship care.

Residential Locale Is Associated with Disparities in Genetic Testing-Related Outcomes Among BRCA1/2-Positive Women.

BACKGROUND: While research on hereditary genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations continues to emerge, there remain unanswered questions regarding access to testing and cancer-related care. Our study determined the associations between race/ethnicity, residential locale, and genetic testing provider and related outcomes among US women with BRCA1/2 genetic mutations. METHODS: One hundred ninety-three BRCA1/2-positive women from vulnerable health backgrounds were recruited via private national Facebook BRCA1/2-oriented support groups and completed an online survey. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for the associations between race/ethnicity, residential locale, and genetic testing-related outcomes. RESULTS: Women ranged in age (18-75, M = 39.5, SD = 10.7), and most were non-Hispanic white (66.3%) and lived in a suburban locale (54.9%). Women living in suburban areas were significantly less likely (aOR, .369, 95% CI, .177-.771) to receive behavioral referrals after genetic testing compared to those living in an urban locale. Women living in rural areas and suburban areas were 4.72 times more likely (95% CI, 1.48-15.1, p = .009) and 2.61 times more likely (95% CI, 1.05-6.48, p = .038), respectively, to receive genetic testing from a primary care provider versus private genetic testing office/hospital compared to women in urban locales. Associations between race/ethnicity and genetic testing outcomes were not statistically significant. Residential locale did not predict the odds of undergoing surgery for risk reduction or surveillance for early detection. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies disparities in genetic testing resources among women living in suburban and rural areas. These findings can be used to inform future care, research, and community resources that may impact services relating to genetic testing within these locales.

Evaluation of disparities in maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors among female cancer survivors by race/ethnicity and US nativity.

BACKGROUND: There are well-known racial/ethnic disparities in maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors throughout cancer survivorship among US-born women. Less is known about these associations among women born outside the US, as these women may experience disparities in survivorship care due to the lack of access to culturally appropriate health services. We evaluated disparities in the associations between race/ethnicity and US nativity and the likelihood of meeting recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during cancer survivorship. METHODS: 2044 female cancer survivors contributed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1999-2018). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with multivariable logistic regression models to measure the association between independent variables (race/ethnicity, US nativity, length of time in the US) and outcomes (obesity, meeting weekly physical activity (PA) recommendations, smoking history, alcoholic drinks/day) overall and by comorbidity. RESULTS: Most survivors were breast cancer survivors (27.6 %), non-Hispanic white (64.2 %), and US native (84.5 %). Compared to US native survivors, foreign-born survivors were less likely (aOR, 0.30, 95 % CI, 0.10-0.87) to not meet PA recommendations, while foreign-born survivors living in the US ≥ 15 years were 2.30 times more likely (95 % CI, 1.12-4.73) to not meet PA recommendations. Having at least one comorbidity modified (p-interaction< 0.05) the relationships between US nativity and length of time in the US. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide new evidence for disparities in maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors among female cancer survivors and can help inform lifestyle interventions for female cancer survivors from different racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Utilizing Social Media Advertisements and Participant Social Networks to Recruit African American Breast Cancer Survivors: Design and Rationale.

Purpose: Our objective is to pilot an advertisement-driven sampling procedure among African American (AA) breast cancer survivors living in Maryland. These pilot study methods will inform a future population-based study of AA breast cancer survivors at high risk of poor outcomes due to biological differences and social inequities. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilizes an innovative, social media-based advertisement campaign with an associated social media study page to recruit 100 AA breast cancer survivors. Participants are biologically female, aged 18 and older, identify as AA/Black, have a diagnosis of breast cancer, and reside in Maryland. A preset "Audience" was created via Meta (formerly Facebook) to automatically target potential interest in the online study via geolocation and public social media interests (estimated range = 101,000 women). Eligible participants complete an online survey including demographic and clinical characteristics, cancer screening, healthcare access, and utilization, COVID-19 impact, quality of doctor-patient communication, and preferences for future study participation. Results: Recruitment began on 5 January 2022 and remains ongoing. As of 7 June 2002: 124 completed the screener, 110/124 (88.7%) consented passively, 24/110 (21.8%) started but did not complete survey, 86/110 (78.1%) completed the survey. Conclusions: Results from this study will inform a statewide multilevel prospective population-based study to improve health behaviors, disease management, and self-efficacy of chronic disease management among AA breast cancer survivors.

Anxiety and depression among racial/ethnic minorities and impoverished women testing positive for BRCA1/2 mutations in the United States.

PURPOSE: To outline the association between race/ethnicity and poverty status and perceived anxiety and depressive symptomologies among BRCA1/2-positive United States (US) women to identify high-risk groups of mutation carriers from medically underserved backgrounds. METHODS: A total of 211 BRCA1/2-positive women from medically underserved backgrounds were recruited through national Facebook support groups and completed an online survey. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for associations between race/ethnicity, poverty status, and self-reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Women ranged in age (18-75, M = 39.5, SD = 10.6). Most women were non-Hispanic white (NHW) (67.2%) and were not impoverished (76.7%). Hispanic women with BRCA1/2 mutations were 6.11 times more likely to report moderate-to-severe anxiety (95% CI, 2.16-17.2, p = 0.001) and 4.28 times more likely to report moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (95% CI, 1.98-9.60, p < 0.001) than NHW women with these mutations. Associations were not statistically significant among other minority women. Women living in poverty were significantly less likely to report moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms than women not in poverty (aOR, 0.42, 95% CI, 0.18-0.95, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Hispanic women with BRCA1/2 mutations from medically underserved backgrounds are an important population at increased risk for worse anxiety and depressive symptomology. Our findings among Hispanic women with BRCA1/2 mutations add to the growing body of literature focused on ethnic disparities experienced across the cancer control continuum.

A national study of alcohol consumption patterns among population-based U.S. cancer survivors compared with cancer-free individuals.

BACKGROUND: This study characterized alcohol consumption behaviors among adult cancer survivors and determined how these behaviors compared with cancer-free individuals using NHANES data (1999-2016). METHODS: Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multinomial logistic regression for the association between cancer survivors vs cancer-free individuals and odds of drinking status (former/current/never drinkers), accounting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Among current drinkers, multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the aORs for binge drinking and exceeding moderate drinking. RESULTS: A total of 3113 survivors and 39,527 cancer-free individuals were included. Cancer survivors were less likely to be current drinkers (63.4% vs. 72.6% in cancer-free) and were more likely to be former drinkers (24.4% vs. 15.5% in cancer-free). Cancer survivors had significant lower odds of being current vs. never drinkers (aOR, 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-0.99). By cancer types, cervical cancer survivors were more likely to be binge drinkers (aOR, 2.51, 95% CI: 1.27-4.92), particularly among women aged ≥ 55 years (aOR, 6.90, 95% CI: 1.28-37.3). CONCLUSION: Given the high odds of binge drinking among cervical cancer survivors, public health strategies are needed to reduce alcohol consumption in this group.

Systemic inflammation and risk of all-cause mortality after invasive breast cancer diagnosis among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women from New Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-II (sTNF-R2), a pro-inflammatory biomarker, is associated with obesity and breast cancer (BC). The association between sTNF-R2 and risk of mortality after BC has not been studied, specifically among Hispanic women, an at-risk population due to their high prevalence of obesity and poor prognosis. We examined the association between sTNF-R2 and mortality among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) BC survivors. METHODS: A total of 397 invasive BC survivors (96 Hispanic, 301 NHW) contributed baseline interview data and blood samples. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusting for clinical factors including body mass index. RESULTS: After a median follow-up time of 13 years, 133 deaths occurred. The association between high vs low levels of plasma sTNF-R2 and mortality was not statistically significant overall (HR, 1.32; 95% CI 0.89-1.98). However, when stratified the mortality risk among Hispanic women was nearly 3-fold (HR, 2.83; 95% CI 1.21-6.63), while risk among NHW women was attenuated (HR, 0.99; 95% CI 0.61-1.61) (p-interaction=0.10). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest Hispanic BC survivors with high sTNF-R2 levels may have increased risk of mortality and could inform targeted interventions to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes.

Disparities in healthcare utilization and access by length of cancer survivorship among population-based female cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: The current study examined disparities in the associations between medically vulnerable populations and healthcare-related outcomes among population-based female cancer survivors and determined if these associations differed by length of cancer survivorship. METHODS: One thousand eight hundred ninety-seven women with a cancer history from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2016 contributed data. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with multivariable logistic regression models to measure the associations between the predictors (race/ethnicity, poverty status, education, comorbidity status, US nativity) and outcomes (perceived health, healthcare utilization and access outcomes), overall and by length of survivorship. RESULTS: There was an average of 14.3 years (SD = 11.7; range = 2-84) since initial cancer diagnosis, with 25.1% being short-term and 74.9% being long-term survivors. Overall, racial/ethnic minority women were more likely to report poor/fair health status (OR, 2.68; 95% CI 1.73-4.15) and utilizing routine care other than a doctor's office/HMO (OR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.12-2.29) in comparison with NHW survivors. Length of survivorship significantly modified the association between race/ethnicity and odds of seeing a mental health provider in the last year (p-interaction = 0.003), with short-term minority survivors being significantly more likely (OR, 2.63; 95% CI 1.29-5.35) and long-term minority survivors being less likely (OR, 0.68; 95% CI 0.37-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: Racial/ethnic disparities exist among female cancer survivors for perceived health status and certain healthcare utilization outcomes, with some differences observed by length of cancer survivorship. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This study can begin to inform cancer survivorship care for medically vulnerable women along the cancer continuum.

Evaluation of health perceptions and healthcare utilization among population-based female cancer survivors and cancer-free women.

PURPOSE: Cancer survivors are more likely to report having a poor health status when compared to the general population. Few studies have focused on the impact of cancer on health status and healthcare utilization/access outcomes among women from medically underserved populations. METHODS: 25,741 women with and without a history of cancer from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2016 contributed data. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for associations between cancer status and perceived health and healthcare utilization/access outcomes stratified by race/ethnicity, poverty status, education, and comorbidities. RESULTS: 1,897 (7.0%) women had a history of cancer with breast cancer as the most common (n = 671, 35.7%). While most survivors were non-Hispanic white (69.4%), 13.9% were Hispanic, 12.0% were non-Hispanic Black, and 4.6% were additional racial/ethnic groups. Survivors were 1.32 times more likely to be hospitalized within the last year (95% CI 1.11-1.58) and 1.32 times more likely to see a mental health provider within the last year (95% CI 1.05-1.66) compared to cancer-free women. Race/ethnicity was a significant effect modifier in the association between being a survivor and seeing a mental health provider, with Hispanic survivors having the highest odds (aOR 3.44; 95% CI 2.06-5.74; p-interaction < 0.00). CONCLUSION: Our study identifies disparities in healthcare utilization among female cancer survivors, highlighting the importance of evaluating these associations among medically underserved populations. These findings can educate healthcare professionals working with these populations to inform gaps in survivorship care utilization/access.

Racial disparities in mortality outcomes among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Maryland: Impact of cardiovascular disease and clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Although racial disparities in breast cancer (BC) mortality have been well documented in the United States, little is known about the impact of coexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other clinical factors on Black-White survival disparities after the diagnosis of BC. This study examined the associations of race, CVD, and clinical factors at diagnosis with the hazard of BC and CVD-related mortality among patients with BC identified from the Maryland Cancer Registry. METHODS: A total of 36,088 women (25,181 Whites and 10,907 Blacks) diagnosed with incident invasive BC between 2007 and 2017 were included. Subdistribution hazard ratios (sdHRs) for CVD-related and BC mortality were estimated with Fine and Gray regression models, which accounted for the influence of competing events. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 5.8 years, 8019 deaths occurred; 3896 were BC deaths, and 1167 deaths were CVD-related. Black women had a higher hazard of BC mortality (sdHR, 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-1.77) and CVD mortality (sdHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.17-1.51) in comparison with White women. Associations with CVD mortality were significantly stronger among Black women aged 50 to 59 years (sdHR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.84-4.44; P for interaction < .001). Among Black women with CVD, the hazard of BC death was 41% higher in comparison with White women. By treatment, a significant association with CVD mortality was observed only among Black women undergoing surgery and radiation (sdHR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.22-2.13). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider the impact of younger age, preexisting CVD, and BC treatments among Black patients. Early identification of those at risk for worse survival may improve surveillance and outcomes.

Racialized Economic Segregation and Breast Cancer Mortality among Women in Maryland.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to determine the association between racialized economic segregation and the hazard of breast cancer mortality in Maryland. METHODS: Among 35,066 women (24,540 White; 10,526 Black) diagnosed with incident invasive breast cancer in Maryland during 2007 to 2017, exposure to racialized economic segregation was measured at the census tract level using Index of Concentration at the Extremes metrics. HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression for the association between racialized economic segregation and the hazard of breast cancer mortality, accounting for clustering at the census tract level. Models were adjusted for age and stratified by race, median age (<60 years, ≥60 years), and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, the hazard of breast cancer mortality was 1.84 times as high (95% CI, 1.64-2.06) for the least privileged quintile of racialized economic segregation compared with the most privileged quintile. This association differed significantly (P interaction< 0.05) by race and age, with 1.20 (95% CI, 0.90-1.60) times the hazard of breast cancer mortality for Black women versus 1.66 (95% CI, 1.41-1.95) times the hazard for White women, and with greater hazards for younger women (HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.83-2.57) than older women (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.40-1.88). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that breast cancer survival disparities exist in Maryland among women residing in the least privileged census tracts with lower income households and higher proportions of Black residents. IMPACT: Our findings provide new insights into the breast cancer mortality disparities observed among women in Maryland.

Trends in breast cancer incidence rates by race/ethnicity: Patterns by stage, socioeconomic position, and geography in the United States, 1999-2017.

BACKGROUND: The incidence rate of breast cancer has been increasing over time across race/ethnicity in the United States. It is unclear whether these trends differ among stage, poverty, and geography subgroups. METHODS: Using data from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, this study estimated trends in age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 50 to 84 years from 1999 to 2017 by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic) and across subgroups (stage, county-level poverty, county urban/rural status, and geographic region [West, Midwest, South, and Northeast]). RESULTS: From 2004 to 2017, breast cancer incidence rates increased across race/ethnicity and subgroups, with the greatest average annual percent increases observed for non-Hispanic Black women, overall (0.9%) and those living in lower poverty areas (0.8%), rural areas (1.2%), and all regions except the West (0.8%-1.0%). Stronger increases among non-Hispanic Black women were observed for local-stage disease and for some subgroups of distant-stage disease. Non-Hispanic Black women had the smallest decrease in regional-stage disease across most subgroups. Similarly, Hispanic women had the strongest increases in some subgroups, including areas with higher poverty (0.6%-1.2%) and in the West (0.8%), for local- and distant-stage disease. CONCLUSIONS: These trends highlight concerns for an increasing burden of breast cancer among subpopulations, with some already experiencing disparate breast cancer mortality rates, and they highlight the need for targeted breast cancer prevention and efforts to reduce mortality disparities in areas with increasing incidence.

COVID-19 experiences predicting high anxiety and depression among a sample of BRCA1/BRCA2-positive women in the US.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, breast and ovarian cancer survivors experienced more anxiety and depression than before the pandemic. Studies have not investigated the similarities of this trend among BRCA1/2-positive women who are considered high risk for these cancers. The current study examines the impact of COVID-19 experiences on anxiety and depression in a sample of BRCA1/2-positive women in the U.S. 211 BRCA1/2-positive women from medically underserved backgrounds completed an online survey. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for associations between COVID-19 experiences and self-reported anxiety and depression stratified by demographic factors. Overall, women who reported COVID-19 stigma or discrimination (aOR, 5.14, 95% CI [1.55, 17.0]) experienced significantly more depressive symptoms than women who did not report this experience. Racial/ethnic minority women caring for someone at home during COVID-19 were 3.70 times more likely (95% CI [1.01, 13.5]) to report high anxiety while non-Hispanic white women were less likely (aOR, 0.34, 95% CI [0.09, 1.30], p interaction = 0.011). To date, this is the first study to analyze anxiety and depression considering several COVID-19 predictors among BRCA1/2-positive women. Our findings can be used to inform future research and advise COVID-19-related mental health resources specific to these women.