Racial Differences and Disparities in Cancer Care and Outcomes: Where's the Rub?

Overview

Journal Surg Oncol Clin N Am

Specialties General Surgery
Oncology

Date 2012 May 16

PMID 22583991

Citations 68

Authors

Nestor F Esnaola

Marvella E Ford

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Despite a profusion of studies over the past several years documenting racial differences in cancer outcomes, there is a paucity of data as to the root causes underlying these observations. This article reviews work to date focusing on black-white differences in cancer outcomes, explores potential mechanisms underlying these differences, and identifies patient, physician, and health care system factors that may account for persistent racial disparities in cancer care. Research strategies to elucidate the relative influence of these various factors and policy recommendations to reduce persistent disparities are also discussed.

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