Another more recent study also looked at disparities in survival with early lung cancer. It found: � �
Black people had worse survival than white people Hispanics and Asians had better survival
But the findings suggest that disparities between Black and white people won’ t go away just by improving access to surgery. That’ s because other factors also explain why Black people with lung cancer may not do as well.
For example: �
�
Black people with lung cancer more often died from other causes, including heart disease and other cancers
So, disparities in lung cancer survival will depend on better treatment for other health conditions, some of which may be related to smoking
A 2022 report on disparities in lung cancer treatment pointed to differences among racial groups in:
� Social determinants of health( the conditions in which you are born into and live in) � � �
Treatment patterns Molecular testing to guide lung cancer treatment Clinical trial involvement
What Are Disparities in Advanced Lung Cancer?
Most lung cancers are diagnosed after they’ ve already spread or advanced. Survival with advanced lung cancer is a lot less likely than when it’ s caught early. But there are also many new treatment options and advances in treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
These advances include:
� Biomarker or molecular testing
� Targeted treatments
� �
Immunotherapy Palliative( end-of-life) care
These advances mean more people with advanced lung cancer are surviving longer. They also have a better quality of life.
But there are still disparities based on race and socioeconomic factors.
A 2021 study reviewed 22 studies on disparities in advanced lung cancer. It found that disparities in treatment of advanced lung cancer are obvious and widespread.
You’ re less likely to get recommended care for advanced lung cancer if you are: � � �
Black Uninsured
Low income with Medicaid health insurance
� � �
From a rural area Less educated From a low-income area
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