Health Disparities in Cancer Care

Minorities in the US bear a disproportionate burden of cancer compared with other population groups. The health disparities and measurable differences in outcomes manifest across the cancer care continuum, from prevention and diagnosis, through treatment, monitoring and mortality.

This understanding guided ConcertAI to form ERACE (Engaging Research to Achieve Cancer Care Equity), a multidisciplinary initiative to better understand cancer disparities and create innovative solutions to eliminate them.

Health Disparities in Cancer Care
asco quality care symposium

Racial Disparities in Performance Status

A new study by ConcertAI based on patient-reported outcomes makes another compelling case for addressing disparities in treatment outcomes and racially biased access to clinical trials – and for why a new research focus is imperative.

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Methods

Retrospective Study of Self-Assessed Performance Status (ECOG)

Background
  • Clinical trials lack adequate number of racial minorities.
  • Performance status often a criterion for clinical research.
  • Poor performance status can exclude patients from clinical trial participation.
Patient in Study
6,613

PATIENT IN STUDY

  • 55.4% White
  • 38.0% Black
Results

Black patients overall reported higher average ECOG scores and greater difficulty performing daily functions than White patients.

PATIENTS REPORTING NOT BEING ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES

Blacks

52%

Blacks

Whites

41%

Whites

Conclusion

Significant racial disparities exist in performance status at an initial visit to an oncology clinic and, for Black patients, could mean:
• Lower quality medical care pre-diagnosis
• Poorer outcomes
• Exclusion from clinical trials

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Measurable Differences Among Minorities

 
2x

Black American women are 2x as likely to be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to white women.

37%

Black American men are 37% more likely to develop lung cancer than white men.

10%

Hispanic men are 10% less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than non-Hispanic white men.

40%

American Indian/Alaska Native men are 40% more likely to have stomach cancer than white men, and 2x as likely to die from it.

60%

Liver cancer death rate is 60% higher in Asian Americans compared to whites.

 

 

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Patient Registry

The ERACE Patient Registry is foundational to its mission of eliminating inequities.

The registry provides a real-world view of potential differences in clinical practice, patient outcomes, safety, and comparative effectiveness among cancer patients of color and other marginalized groups.

Patient Registry Patient Registry Patient Registry Patient Registry Patient Registry Patient Registry