In the US, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Though overall cancer mortality rates have improved, there are substantial disparities across racial and ethnic groups, with Black women having a 40 percent higher breast cancer death rate than white women.
Evidence consistently shows that non-Hispanic Black women, compared to white women, are more likely to experience delays in breast cancer diagnosis and surgical treatment, contributing to persistent disparities in outcomes. Additionally, previous literature found that social drivers of health, such as economic hardship or lack of access to health care facilities, can be important risk factors in influencing cancer-related outcomes.
Using INSIGHT Clinical Research Data, Dr. Shadi Azam, postdoctoral associate in population health sciences, Dr. Rulla Tamimi, chief of the Division of Epidemiology, Dr. Vivian Bea, assistant professor of surgery, and colleagues conducted a study to examine the associations between delayed breast cancer surgery in NYC, race and ethnicity, and social drivers of health. The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, found that of 13,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer across NYC, nearly 15 percent experienced surgical delays beyond 60 days from diagnosis.
Inequities in time to surgery were especially substantial among women undergoing lumpectomy. Delays were also more prevalent among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients and those residing in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Ultimately, this research aims to support efforts to improve equity in breast cancer outcomes by identifying patients at higher risk of treatment delays and informing targeted strategies to promote timely care.
- Highlights