Source
Surgery Outcomes Analysis & Research, Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, S6-432, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Health disparities in cancer care have been described and stem from a complex interplay of patient, provider, and instutional factors.
METHODS:
A review of the literature describing disparities in aspects of cancer care was performed.
RESULTS:
Disparities in outcomes including overall survival for minority populations have been demonstrated to exist for race, age, and socioeconomic status.
CONCLUSION:
Disparities in cancer care and outcomes clearly exist for many poorly understood reasons. After a diagnosis of cancer, barriers to care may develop at multiple points along the course of the patient's disease.
Copyright 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.