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News from Cancer: Disparities in head and neck cancer patients
October 06, 2008A new analysis finds considerable disparities in survival related to race and socio-economic status among patients with head and neck cancer. Published in the November 15, 2008 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study indicates that earlier diagnosis and greater access to treatment could improve outcomes for these cancers among African Americans and the poor.
A number of studies have examined disparities in cancer survival among different groups to help identify interventions to improve patient outcomes. To investigate factors that impact survival from head and neck cancer, Dr. Leonidas Koniaris and colleagues at the University of Miami School of Medicine reviewed all head and neck cancer cases in Florida between 1998 and 2002. By mining information from the Florida Cancer Data System and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration dataset, they were able to accumulate data on diagnoses, comorbid conditions, and procedures performed during every hospitalization or outpatient visit among 20,915 head and neck cancer patients during that time.
The review found poorer outcomes were associated with race, poverty, age, gender, tumor site and stage, treatment type, and a history of smoking and alcohol consumption.
Regarding race, the average survival time among Hispanics was 47 months, compared with 40 months among Caucasians and 21 months among African Americans. African American patients were diagnosed at a younger age and presented with more advanced disease compared with Caucasians. For all tumor stages, African American patients had a significantly shorter average survival time than Caucasians, regardless of poverty level. Treatments also differed between these two races: Caucasians were more likely than African Americans to have undergone surgery (45 percent vs. 32 percent), while African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to receive chemotherapy (26 percent vs. 19 percent) and radiation (66 percent vs. 56 percent). However, even among patients who received surgery, African Americans had a shorter survival time than Caucasians.
When assessing socioeconomic status, the investigators found that patients living in communities with poverty levels exceeding 15 percent were diagnosed with head and neck cancer at a significantly younger age, more frequently diagnosed with advanced disease, and had lower average survival was lower across all age groups. Average survival time was significantly shorter in patients from the areas with the highest poverty rates irrespective of what type of therapy was received.
The authors conclude that racial disparities continue to exist in head and neck cancer survival. Socio-economic inequities are also evident in head and neck cancer survival, even when the poor receive treatment for their disease.
"Earlier diagnosis, particularly in those from low socio-economic status groups and amongst African American patients, is needed to improve outcomes," the authors wrote.
American Cancer Society
Regarding race, the average survival time among Hispanics was 47 months, compared with 40 months among Caucasians and 21 months among African Americans. African American patients were diagnosed at a younger age and presented with more advanced disease compared with Caucasians. For all tumor stages, African American patients had a significantly shorter average survival time than Caucasians, regardless of poverty level. Treatments also differed between these two races: Caucasians were more likely than African Americans to have undergone surgery (45 percent vs. 32 percent), while African Americans were more likely than Caucasians to receive chemotherapy (26 percent vs. 19 percent) and radiation (66 percent vs. 56 percent). However, even among patients who received surgery, African Americans had a shorter survival time than Caucasians.
When assessing socioeconomic status, the investigators found that patients living in communities with poverty levels exceeding 15 percent were diagnosed with head and neck cancer at a significantly younger age, more frequently diagnosed with advanced disease, and had lower average survival was lower across all age groups. Average survival time was significantly shorter in patients from the areas with the highest poverty rates irrespective of what type of therapy was received.
The authors conclude that racial disparities continue to exist in head and neck cancer survival. Socio-economic inequities are also evident in head and neck cancer survival, even when the poor receive treatment for their disease.
"Earlier diagnosis, particularly in those from low socio-economic status groups and amongst African American patients, is needed to improve outcomes," the authors wrote.
American Cancer Society
Head And Neck Cancer Current Events and Head And Neck Cancer News RSSNew laryngoscope could make difficult intubations easier
A new tool developed by a Medical College of Georgia resident and faculty member may make it easier to place assisted breathing devices under difficult circumstances.
Rare head and neck cancer linked to HPV, study finds
An increase in cases of a rare type of head and neck cancer appears to be linked to HPV, or human papillomavirus, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Curcumin may inhibit nicotine-induced activation of head and neck cancers
Curcumin, the compound that gives curry powder its yellow/orange color, may inhibit the adverse effects of nicotine in patients with head and neck cancer who continue to smoke.
Study finds 231 new genes associated with head and neck cancer
A Henry Ford Hospital study has identified 231 new genes associated with head and neck cancer, one of the most deadly cancers responsible for 2.1 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States.
U of T researchers create microchip that can detect type and severity of cancer
U of T researchers have used nanomaterials to develop a microchip sensitive enough to quickly determine the type and severity of a patient's cancer so that the disease can be detected earlier for more effective treatment.
Identification of highly radiosensitive patients may lead to side effect-free radiotherapy
An international group of scientists has taken the first step on the road to targeting radiotherapy dosage to individual patients by means of their genetic characteristics.
Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy reduces advanced lung cancer death risk by 13 percent
Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are given cetuximab (Erbitux) in addition to chemotherapy are 13% less likely to die than those who receive chemotherapy alone, regardless of which chemotherapy drug cocktail is used, new research finds. They also experience slower disease progression and an increased chance of tumour shrinkage.
Prevent periodontitis to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer
Chronic periodontitis, a form of gum disease, is an independent risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This suggests the need for increased efforts to prevent and treat periodontitis as a possible means to reduce the risk of this form of cancer.
Prodrug could help curb skin toxicity related to EGFR-inhibiting cancer drugs
There may be a way around the harsh skin toxicity associated with a widely used cancer drug, according to a study published online this week in Cancer Biology and Therapy by researchers from City of Hope and the Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson.
Budesonide is not beneficial for the treatment of diarrhea in metastatic melanoma patients
Patients with stage III or IV melanoma taking ipilimumab and the oral steroid budesonide to reduce side effects did not have less diarrhea, a known side effect of ipilimumab.
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Head and Neck Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach by Louis B Harrison (Editor), Roy B Sessions (Editor), Waun K Hong (Editor) This book employs a two-part approach to treating patients with head and neck cancer: maximize the chance for a cure while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality of life. Although not seen as commonly as other aggressive forms, head and neck cancer is a devastating disease that has tremendous implications on the overall health of the patient, as well as their appearance and quality of life. The goal of the editors was to create the first truly multidisciplinary book in this field that addresses all aspects and treatment options. The book was designed to be a comprehensive textbook crossing all disciplines and representing a wide spectrum of specialists throughout the country, including surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists, as well as dentists, pathologists, radiologists and... |
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Head and Neck Cancer: An Evidence-Based Team Approach by Eric Genden (Editor), Mark Varvares (Editor) Designed to synthesize the collective wisdom of a tumor board, the book presents a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to the contemporary management of head and neck cancer. Expert authors and contributors provide a balanced literature review that provides the reader with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of the disease entity, descriptions of anatomy, physiology, and clinical presentation, discussion of diagnostic workup and the various management techniques.<br><br>Highlights:<br>*Each chapter features the clinical insights of a surgeon, a medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist<br>*Comprehensive coverage of the most important disease sites, including the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, thyroid gland, salivary glands,... |
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Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Head and Neck Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Head and Neck Cancer Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Head and Neck Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
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Radiotherapy For Head And Neck Cancers Indications And Techniques by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers Indications and Techniques : Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers Indications and Techniques Pub Date: October 2005 Product Type: Print Author/s: K. K Ang MD, PhD; Adam S Garden MD Long established as a staple reference for all radiation oncologists, Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers: Indications and Techniques is now in its Third Edition. This completely updated edition presents the state-of-the-art protocols currently used at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and thoroughly explains the principles, nomenclature, and clinical use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). New full-color illustrations have been added throughout the book.The first section discusses the practical aspects of external beam therapy,... |
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Head And Neck Cancer A Multidisciplinary Approach by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Head and Neck Cancer A Multidisciplinary Approach : Head and Neck Cancer A Multidisciplinary Approach Pub Date: September 2008 Product Type: Print Author/s: Louis B Harrison MD; Roy B Sessions MD; Waun K Hong MD This comprehensive, multidisciplinary text addresses all aspects of head and neck cancer and represents a wide spectrum of specialists, including surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists, dentists, pathologists, radiologists, and nurses. The book focuses on a two-part approach to treatment that maximizes the chance for a cure while maintaining a strong emphasis on quality of life.This Third Edition's updated techniques section includes new radiation techniques such as IMRT and IGRT and new endoscopic and laser surgical techniques. Other highlights include... |
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Cancer of the Head and Neck by Eugene N. Myers (Editor), James Y. Suen (Editor) University of Pittsburgh, PA. Third edition of a reference on head and neck surgery for clinicians or residents. Previous edition 1989. Eight new chapters, including current information on clinical trials and developing technologies. 87 contributors, 83 U.S. Halftone illustrations and images. DNLM: Head and Neck Neoplasms. |
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